Sullivan Leaves Nebraska After Three Seasons

Lincoln - Nebraska Head Coach John Cook announced Tuesday morning that Erik Sullivan will be leaving the Husker program to become an assistant coach at the University of Texas.

"Erik will be missed, he has been a loyal friend and great coach for  Nebraska volleyball," Cook said. "His passion for coaching our players has made Nebraska volleyball a stronger program. We wish him and his family nothing but the best in the next stop in his career."

During Sullivan's three seasons at Nebraska under Cook, the Huskers put together a 86-13 record (.869), won two Big 12 titles and made a trip to the Final Four in 2008. Sullivan oversaw the Huskers' middle blockers, developed the team's defensive plans and was instrumental in the development of two-time AVCA All-American Brooke Delano. Delano, who was a first-team All-America pick in 2010, led the Huskers in hitting (.406) and blocks per set (1.42) in 2010, while also becoming just the fourth Husker in school history to hit .400 or better in a season.

"I'm very appreciative of the opportunity I've had at Nebraska," Sullivan said. "I loved being a Husker and it was a tough decision for my wife and I to leave such a wonderful program that is made up of great people. We felt like this change was what was best for our family. The athletic department at Nebraska is second to none and it was great to feel like a valuable employee."

"The amount of knowledge I've learned from John (Cook) over these past three seasons is something I wouldn't have received anywhere else," Sullivan said. "John is the best manager of a program in the sport of volleyball. He is phenomenal at handling everything that comes with being part of a big-time program."

With his move to Texas, Sullivan will continue to coach in the Big 12 Conference, as prior to his three seasons at Nebraska he spent four seasons at the University of Colorado.

Cook will now open a nationwide search for Sullivan's replacement.