Head football coach of the University of Nebraska, 1973-1997.
Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Nebraska's 3rd district from 3 January 2001 - 3 January 2007. Not a candidate for reelection in 2006, but was unsuccessful candidate for the Republican nomination for Nebraska governor.
Won 3 NCAA football championships (1994, 1995, 1997).
Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1999.
Attended Hastings Senior High School, Hastings, Nebraska.
Hand-picked by Bob Devaney to succeed him as head football coach of the University of Nebraska.