Trev Alberts apologizes to Nebraska for timing of departure to Texas A&M in email to staff

The Nebraska athletic director delivered a strong message before leaving.

Trev Alberts sent a shockwave throughout Nebraska Wednesday when he left his alma mater to become the new athletics director at Texas A&M. The decision to leave his post as the Huskers athletic director comes just a few months after he agreed to an eight-year contract extension with Nebraska in November 2023. Alberts, who took over as the Nebraska athletics director in the summer of 2021, informed the University of Nebraska staff of his departure in an email.

“Husker Staff, I am writing to inform you that earlier today, I informed interim President Kabourek that I am resigning my position as Director of Athletics to accept the same role at Texas A&M,” Alberts wrote. “I am very sorry for the timing and that I was not able to communicate these changes to you in person.”

“Thank you so much for all that you have done to make Husker Athletics so special,” Alberts continued. “I am grateful for all that we have accomplished together and believe that because of you, Nebraska is well positioned for the evolving changes within the industry. Tough decisions will need to be made, unity of vision and high execution will be necessary, but I am confident that leadership in Nebraska will rise to the occasion. Nebraska Athletics is full of high character, hardworking and talented staff, and coaches. It was an honor to get to partner with you to experience unprecedented success. Thank you again.”

Nebraska is owed more than $4 million in a buyout because of Alberts’ early departure under his new contract.

Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen released a statement Thursday morning, issuing a “call to action” to Nebraska’s Board of Regents. The university has yet to fill the vacant president position almost seven months since Ted Carter announced his departure for the same role at Ohio State.

“The University of Nebraska has existed as an institution for more than a century and a half. It is immeasurably bigger than any one person,” Pillen said. “But leadership matters, and the long-term success of our University depends immensely on having committed public servants as its leaders.”

Alberts, 53 played linebacker at Nebraska in the early 1990s, earning unanimous All-America honors in 1993. Alberts’ No. 34 jersey is retired with his name listed alongside other Husker greats below the scoreboard in the north end zone of Memorial Stadium.

Alberts helped Nebraska contend for a national championship during the 1993 season. Despite a late-season injury, Alberts played with a cast on his arm against Florida State, sacking Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Charlie Ward three times in an 18-16 loss.

The Indianapolis Colts selected Alberts with the No. 5 overall pick in the 1994 NFL Draft.