AUSTIN, Texas — Nevada has named Texas co-defensive coordinator Jeff Choate its new head football coach, the school announced Monday.
Choate has been co-defensive coordinator and inside linebackers coach at Texas since 2021. This season, the Longhorn defense ranks third nationally in rushing defense, fourth in red zone defense, and 13th in scoring defense. Choate helped the Longhorns win the Big 12 title and reach the College Football Playoff.
"Becoming the head coach at an FBS program has always been my dream. Along my journey, I've been fortunate to work with some exceptional individuals—players, coaches, and mentors—whose influence has shaped me both as a person and a coach. I owe a heartfelt thank you to my family for their unwavering support; they have been my anchor through every climb and challenge," Choate said.
Before his time at Texas, Choate went 28-22 in four years as Montana State head coach. In his final two years, his teams made consecutive appearances in the FCS playoffs, including a run to the semifinals in 2019.
Choate also has been an assistant at Florida, Washington State, Boise State, Eastern Illinois and Utah State.
“Jeff Choate is the right person at a very important moment in Wolf Pack football’s long history to lead our program into the future," Nevada president Brian Sandoval said. “Coach Choate has excelled at all levels as a coach, with a proven record in building successful college football programs.”
Choate will be the 28th head football coach in Nevada Wolf Pack history. He's expected to stay with Texas through the College Football Playoff.