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Former Nebraska head coach Bo Pelini will be the next head football coach at Youngstown State, the school announced Tuesday.

"It is with great passion and enthusiasm that I become the head football coach at Youngstown State University," Pelini said in a statement. "This is an exciting time for my family and me as we return to the Mahoning Valley. (Wife) Mary Pat and our children are anxious to get involved in the Youngstown State and local communities.

"I am looking forward to getting to know a tremendous group of football student-athletes who are currently part of the program. YSU football has a rich championship tradition and a standard of excellence which our staff and players will work to uphold both on and off of the field."

The 47-year-old Pelini was fired Nov. 30 by Nebraska athletic director Shawn Eichorst after seven seasons and a 67-27 record, including 9-3 this season (5-3 Big Ten). However, his teams surrendered 45 points or more six times since NU joined the Big Ten in 2011, including 59-24 loss at Wisconsin on Nov. 15.

Pelini attended Cardinal Mooney High School in Youngstown and played safety at Ohio State from 1987-90.