LINCOLN, NEB. ? Eight full-time employees in the Nebraska athletic department have been laid off, Athletic Director Steve Pederson announced.

The moves complete an extensive restructuring of the department under Pederson. Since he replaced Bill Byrne Jan. 1, the number of employees has been reduced from 219 to 197.

The latest round of cuts Tuesday eliminated two employees from the business office, two from the Memorial Stadium crew, two in marketing and development, one from the Devaney Sports Center support staff and one from the South Stadium support staff.

The names of the employees who were let go will not be released, sports information director Chris Anderson said.

The restructuring reduces the department’s salary budget by $963,257.

“While I have made these restructuring decisions with careful thought and consideration, it is still very difficult to lose people who have devoted many years to the athletic department,” Pederson said.

“However, it is essential that we position ourselves for success in the future,” he said. “We have been given the tremendous responsibility to carry on the great tradition of success that began at Nebraska many years ago. We now refocus our energy on building for the future of this university.”

Pederson also Tuesday reassigned or allocated additional responsibilities to an additional 12 full-time employees.

Other than coaching positions and the hiring of Executive Associate Athletic Director Marc Boehm, Pederson has maintained a hiring freeze since January.