Boca Raton, FL (Sports Network) - Florida Atlantic named Carl Pelini head football coach during a Monday press conference.

Pelini takes over for Howard Schnellenberger, who coached his last game before retirement this past weekend. Schnellenberger had been head coach at Florida Atlantic since the school began playing football in 2001.

"Today marks the beginning of a new era in FAU football, and I am pleased to have Carl Pelini join the FAU family as the new leader of our team," said FAU president Mary Jane Saunders.

"I look forward to what lies ahead for FAU football with Pelini as the head coach, as well as the excitement he will bring to both FAU's students and fans."

Schnellenberger compiled a 58-74 record while building the Florida Atlantic program from the ground up.

Pelini brings more than 25 years of football experience at both the collegiate and high school levels.

"His experience, organization, discipline, passion, recruiting and accomplishments will lead the Owls to the next level," FAU athletic director Craig Angelos said. "With the addition of our beautiful new stadium and the fertile recruiting area that exists in South Florida, I firmly believe that Carl will make FAU a national contender very soon."

Pelini comes to Florida Atlantic from Nebraska, where he served as its defensive coordinator since 2008. Pelini's work at Nebraska has been recognized by his two-time nomination for the Frank Broyles Assistant Coach of the Year Award.

"I would like to thank the FAU administration and the university community for this opportunity," said Pelini. "I see great potential here at FAU to build a program of which the entire community will be proud. My vision for this program is to continue the mission of the university to prepare our student- athletes for success well beyond football."

12/05 15:00:03 ET