OMAHA, Neb.

- Former Raiders coach Bill Callahan will reportedly be hired as Nebraska's new head football coach Friday, ending a long search to fill the vacancy at one of college football's premier programs.

ESPN and the Omaha World-Herald reported that Callahan accepted the job after meeting Thursday with Nebraska athletic director Steve Pederson.

Callahan was fired by the Raiders last week following a 4-12 season.

Callahan, who led the Raiders to the Super Bowl two years ago, was fired by Oakland shortly after quarterback Rich Gannon criticized Callahan and offensive coordinator Marc Trestman for a bad offensive system.