Report: Arkansas' Bret Bielema was offered Nebraska coaching job

Bret Bielema declined an offer to become Nebraska's head coach on Wednesday, according to NFL.com analyst Gil Brandt.

Arkansas head coach Bret Bielema declined an offer to take the same position at Nebraska on Wednesday, according to NFL.com analyst Gil Brandt.

The Huskers announced on Thursday that they have hired former Oregon State coach Mike Riley to replace Bo Pelini, who was dismissed after posting a 67-27 record in seven seasons.

Bielema is in his second season at Arkansas after spending the previous seven seasons in the same position at Wisconsin. The Razorbacks earned the six wins required for bowl eligibility by beating Ole Miss last month after going 3-9 and failing to win a conference game in 2013.

• ELLIS: Is new Nebraska coach Mike Riley an upgrade on fired Bo Pelini?

A report from footballscoop.com prompted speculation that Bielema was a candidate at Nebraska, but Bielema later told ESPN's Chris Low that he was not leaving Arkansas for the Huskers.

Nebraska, which joined the Big Ten from the Big 12 in 2011, has gone 9-3 this season.

Bret Bielema was offered #Nebraska job yesterday but decided to stay at #Arkansas.

— Gil Brandt (@Gil_Brandt) December 4, 2014