Jeff Choate has been named the 28th head coach of the Nevada Wolf Pack football team, bringing a fresh wave of optimism to the program.
After holding the position of co-defensive coordinator and inside linebackers coach at Texas, Choate is eager to revitalize Nevada’s football scene.
“Jeff Choate will change our town,” said Nevada Athletic Director Stephanie Rempe during his introductory press conference.
Choate’s coaching journey is marked by diverse experiences, including a successful tenure at Montana State.
At Montana State, he led the team from 2016 to 2019 and achieved a record of 11-4 in his final season.
His ability to turn teams around has generated excitement among Wolf Pack fans who have endured a few tough seasons recently.
Notable figures like Brian Sandoval have expressed their support, underscoring Choate’s potential impact on and off the field.
Choate’s first interaction with his new team emphasized unity and commitment.
He assured his players that he understands their challenges and is ready to lead them to better times.
His message resonated well, setting a positive tone for the upcoming season.
With Choate at the helm, Nevada football fans are hopeful for a bright future.
Who Is Jeff Choate?
Jeff Choate is the head football coach for the Nevada Wolf Pack.
Known for his blue-collar mentality, Choate has built a career as both a player and a coach in college football.
Where Did Jeff Choate Grow Up?
Jeff Choate grew up in Saint Maries, Idaho.
This small town environment instilled in him a strong work ethic and a deep love for the game of football.
Growing up in Idaho, he was surrounded by a community that valued hard work and dedication.
These values have clearly influenced his coaching style and career.
Where Did Jeff Choate Play College Football?
Jeff Choate played college football at Montana Western.
He was a linebacker and earned his bachelor’s degree in 1993.
His time at Montana Western was formative, shaping his philosophies on the game.
The lessons learned on the field as a player have translated into his coaching techniques, emphasizing discipline and resilience.
Where Does Jeff Choate Live?
As of his appointment as head coach of the Nevada Wolf Pack, Jeff Choate resides in Reno, Nevada.
This move came after his successful tenure at Montana State University.
Living in Reno allows him to be close to his work at the University of Nevada, where he is committed to revitalizing the football program.
Who Is Jeff Choate Married To?
Jeff Choate is married to his wife, Janet.
They have two children, a son named Jory and a daughter named Jacy.
The family dynamic is important to Choate, who often speaks about the support he receives from his family.
Coaching can be demanding, but having a strong family foundation helps him maintain balance.
Jeff Choate Professional Career
Jeff Choate has built a notable coaching career, working with multiple teams across different levels of college football. His journey spans roles as an assistant coach, head coach, and co-defensive coordinator.
What Teams Has Jeff Choate Previously Coached For?
Jeff Choate began his coaching career with various high school teams before moving on to college football.
He served as an assistant coach at Utah State and Boise State, where he worked under Chris Petersen.
At Washington State, Choate was involved in special teams and offense.
He then joined the University of Washington as an assistant coach, further building his reputation.
Choate became the head coach at Montana State in 2016, leading the team to an FCS playoff berth with a record of 11-4 in his final season.
This experience laid the groundwork for his later successes.
What Team Is Jeff Choate Currently Coaching For?
As of December 4, 2023, Jeff Choate is the head football coach for the Nevada Wolf Pack.
Before joining Nevada, he was the co-defensive coordinator and inside linebackers coach at Texas, often referred to as the Longhorns.
Choate’s experience at Texas included handling the defense, which enriched his coaching philosophy and tactical expertise.
His appointment at Nevada followed the firing of Ken Wilson, who had a challenging tenure with a 4-20 record.
Choate aims to revive the team’s fortunes and bring them back into contention.
Does Jeff Choate Want to Coach in the NFL?
There are no public indications that Jeff Choate has expressed a specific desire to coach in the NFL.
His career has predominantly been centered around college football, where he has accumulated significant experience.
His focus appears to be on building successful college programs, such as his current role with the Nevada Wolf Pack.
Given his extensive resume in college football, the NFL might not be a short-term goal for him, but it can’t be ruled out as a future possibility.
What Are Jeff Choate Future Prospects?
Jeff Choate’s future prospects look promising as he takes on the role of head coach at Nevada.
His diverse experience, from high school coaching to college team leadership, positions him well to make a significant impact.
If he can lead Nevada to successful seasons, including potential playoff appearances, his reputation will grow further.
This could open doors for him to become a candidate for more prestigious college football coaching roles or even considerations for positions in the NFL.
Success at Nevada could be a key stepping stone in his career.
Jeff Choate Major Achievements And Awards
One of Jeff Choate’s significant achievements was during his tenure at Montana State.
Under his leadership, the team reached an FCS semifinal berth and posted an impressive 11-4 record.
While at Boise State, the team enjoyed several successful seasons, elevating Choate’s profile.
As an assistant at the University of Washington, Choate contributed to the team’s competitive performances in the Pac-12.
His role at Texas further showcased his defensive coaching abilities.
Although specific awards may not be detailed, his track record speaks to his capabilities and accomplishments.
Similar Coaches to Jeff Choate
Jeff Choate’s career is somewhat reminiscent of other college football coaches who advanced through various roles, including Chris Petersen, who also made significant impacts at Boise State and Washington.
Chris Ault and Jay Norvell, both associated with Nevada, share a common thread of transforming programs.
Like Choate, they focused on building strong, competitive teams.
Their journeys reflect a similar pathway of gaining expertise as assistant coaches before stepping into head coaching roles, illustrating a proven pathway of success in college football coaching.
How Does Jeff Choate Do With NIL And Transfer Portal?
Jeff Choate’s strategy heavily involves managing the transfer portal and adapting to changes brought by NIL money. His methods have had significant effects on Nevada Wolf Pack football, influencing player recruitment and retention.
Jeff Choate And Transfer Portal
Jeff Choate utilizes the transfer portal to strengthen Nevada’s football roster.
Since taking over, several players, including defensive lineman Dion Washington and defensive backs Richard Toney, Isaiah Essissima, and Marquese Allen-Patmon, have entered the transfer portal.
This movement has forced Choate to dynamically adjust his strategies, quickly identifying and recruiting talent to fill these gaps.
Choate’s past experience at Montana State and his recent role at Texas have prepared him to handle these changes effectively.
By focusing on building trust within the team and the community, Choate ensures players are motivated to join—or stay with—the Wolf Pack.
His energy and proactive approach help him navigate the volatile environment created by the transfer portal.
Jeff Choate And NIL Money
The advent of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) money has profoundly impacted college football.
Jeff Choate’s approach to this new landscape involves not only understanding but actively engaging with NIL initiatives.
He recognizes the importance of NIL deals in attracting top talent to Nevada.
His strategy involves fostering relationships with local businesses and the broader community to create lucrative opportunities for players.
Choate sells the benefits of Nevada’s program by highlighting the potential for athletes to capitalize on their personal brands.
This approach helps build trust and energy within the team, translating to a more competitive and cohesive unit.
His leadership in navigating NIL changes speaks to his adaptability and commitment to the success of both the players and the program.
How Much Is Jeff Choate’s Contract For?
Jeff Choate’s contract with the University of Nevada is significant both in terms of salary and incentives. This section breaks down his annual salary and the potential bonus packages.
How Much Does Jeff Choate Make in Salary Per Year?
Jeff Choate’s annual salary as Nevada’s head football coach is $1.05 million.
This noteworthy amount makes him the highest-paid football coach in the program’s history.
His salary surpasses that of previous coach Wilson, who earned $950,000 per year.
Athletic Director Stephanie Rempe played a key role in negotiating this contract to secure Choate’s expertise.
This move demonstrates the university’s commitment to revitalizing its football program under Choate’s leadership.
How Much Does Jeff Choate Make in Incentives Per Year?
In addition to his base salary, Choate has the opportunity to earn substantial bonuses.
His incentive package includes a range of performance-related bonuses.
The bonus package is capped at $475,000 annually.
These incentives could include achievements like conference championships, bowl game victories, and meeting academic performance goals for the team.
This comprehensive incentive structure aligns with both the university’s athletic and academic standards.
Athletes’ performance on the field and in the classroom plays a crucial role in calculating Choate’s additional earnings.
This structure is designed to encourage well-rounded success in the Wolf Pack program under his guidance.
What Is Jeff Choate Net Worth?
Jeff Choate, currently the head coach of the Nevada Wolf Pack, has an impressive net worth that reflects his successful career in college football.
Choate’s recent contract with Nevada is a five-year deal worth $5.775 million. This is the largest contract ever for a Nevada football coach.
This significant salary undoubtedly boosts his net worth.
Choate had other significant roles before joining Nevada. He was the co-defensive coordinator at Texas from 2021 to 2023.
His salary at Texas, combined with his new Nevada deal, has likely contributed greatly to his financial standing.
Details on his assets or other income streams are not widely published. However, his reported earnings from coaching positions and contracts provide a clear picture of his professional worth.
For more details about his contract, you can visit Nevada Sports Net.
This agreement, effective from December 2023, marks a significant milestone in his career.