“He’s playing a major role at the university,” Bounds said. “I think that’s a good thing for us.”

Gold said he is “honored” that Alberts has decided to continue at UNO.

When Alberts played football at Nebraska, his coach was former NU A.D. Tom Osborne, who is being consulted in the Husker search, according to UNL Chancellor Ronnie Green.

Did Osborne discuss the current opening with Alberts?

“Not really, no,” Alberts said. “Obviously, I have talked to him in the past. But contrary to what some would think, no.”

Osborne on Wednesday vouched for Alberts’ knowledge of “the culture as it once was,” but understood his desire to continue his work at UNO.

“As far as I can tell, that’s Trev’s main motivation,” Osborne said. “I think he would have done a great job for anyone around the country. It speaks to his character that he has made some commitments to his staff and boosters and wants to see it through at UNO.”

Since taking the UNO job, Alberts said, he has heard a range of speculation about himself.