Lincoln, NE (Sports Network) - Shawn Eichorst has resigned as Miami's director of athletics to take the same position at Nebraska.

Eichorst, who has served as athletic director at Miami since April 2011, will replace Tom Osborne at Nebraska. Osborne announced his retirement last month.

On Oct. 9, Eichorst will join Nebraska as a special assistant to the chancellor. He will then succeed Osborne as director of athletics when Osborne becomes athletic director emeritus in January.

"It is truly an honor and privilege to be a part of one of the great universities in America and one of the strongest athletic departments in all of college sports who has the welfare of its student-athletes at the heart of everything they do," Eichorst said about his new post. "I am humbled by both the responsibility and opportunities that lie ahead and I hope to carry on the rich tradition of Husker excellence set by Coach Osborne and so many others."

Soon after Eichorst arrived in Miami, the NCAA penalized eight Miami football players in the wake of an investigation into the activities of one of the school's former boosters.

All of the players in question were given impermissible benefits from now- disgraced former south Florida businessman Nevin Shapiro -- who is currently serving a prison sentence for a multi-million-dollar Ponzi scheme -- or members of the Hurricanes athletic staff.

The NCAA is expected to provide Miami with its notice of allegations later this year.

Miami president Donna Shalala has appointed Blake James, senior associate athletic director, as the acting director of athletics.

"I am deeply disappointed in Shawn's departure to the University of Nebraska as I thoroughly enjoyed working with him. We wish Shawn and his wonderful family the very best at their new post," Shalala said.

Eichorst had replaced Kirby Hocutt after he left Miami to take on a similar position with Texas Tech.

10/04 14:08:13 ET