The optimism that preceded the 1999–2000 season quickly faded when guard Cookie Belcher was sidelined by a wrist injury and forced to take a medical redshirt. The Cornhuskers were off-balance almost from the beginning of the season and fell far short of expectations. Nee became the winningest coach in school history in NU's final home game, a 69–64 win over Colorado that gave him his 254th victory. Despite this, the team finished just 11–19 and tied the school record for most losses in a season, which led to Nee's firing.