The University of Nebraska Athletic Department announced on Friday that significant budget cuts will be implemented for the 2020-21 fiscal year. Sam McKewon of the Omaha World-Herald reported on the situation in Lincoln.

According to the report, Nebraska plans to reduce its fiscal year budget this year by 10 percent, which will include approximately a 10 percent cut in administrative positions. The new fiscal year begins July 1.

Budget cuts come as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

“In our deliberate planning for how to best address a decline in expected revenue, we attempted to institute measures that would minimize the impact on the student-athlete experience,” said athletic director Bill Moos. “While many of these necessary changes are difficult, especially those impacting our employees, we hope that they will be the only ones necessary in the months ahead. I am confident that we will weather the storm and come out stronger on the other side.

“I want to acknowledge the work and commitment of those employees who will no longer be with us and thank them for their service to Nebraska. We wish them all of the best in their future endeavors.”

McKewon reports that Nebraska’s expenses for 2018-19 totaled approximately $81. Assuming there were no significant increase in cost over the previous year, then the department is expecting to cut between $8 million and $9 million in expenses.

On Thursday, it was reported that Nebraska head football coach Scott Frost and head men’s basketball coach Fred Hoiberg will voluntarily donate a portion of their salary back to the department. The percentage or amount was unknown at the time.