LINCOLN, Neb. -- Bo Pelini is safe at Nebraska, at least for now.

The embattled sixth-year coach received a statement of support Saturday from first-year athletic director Shawn Eichorst in the wake of a 38-17 loss to Iowa at Memorial Stadium to end the regular season.

"My approach has always been not to comment publicly about our coaches until their full seasons are complete, as I strongly believe it is unfair and counter to best practices," Eichorst said in the statement. "However, given the volume of unfounded speculation and conjecture about our head football coach, I want to reaffirm what I have said many times since I arrived at the University of Nebraska -- that I positively respect, appreciate and support our football student-athletes, coaches and staff, as we do everyone in the Husker family.