Nevada has officially hired Jeff Choate as its new football head coach, to replace Ken Wilson.

Choate was named the 28th head coach of the Nevada football program right before a press conference on Monday.

“I am incredibly pleased to introduce Jeff Choate as the next head football coach at the University of Nevada. Jeff has coached with and developed under the tutelage of some of the best football minds in the game. His style and vision fit everything we believe will build Wolf Pack Football back into a championship-caliber program,” said Director of Athletics Stephanie Rempe. “Whether as a head coach or an assistant, Jeff has continually developed programs and student athletes into champions throughout his career. We are excited to welcome the Choate family to Reno and the Northern Nevada community.”

Choate comes to Nevada from Texas, where he has served as the co-defensive coordinator and inside linebackers coach since 2021. Under Choate’s tutelage, the Longhorn defense tops the Big XII in rushing defense (80.8 ypg, third in the country), red-zone defense (71.4 percent, fourth in the country), scoring defense (17.5 points per game, 13th in the country), and total defense (321.7 yards per game, 23rd in the country), as the Longhorns racked up a 12-1 record, Big XII title, and a spot in 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.

“I would like to thank all of the players, past and present, for the incredible impact they have had on me as a human being and a coach. And I would like to thank Chris Del Conte and Steve Sarkisian for their support and encouragement, as I take this next step in my journey.

I am sincerely thankful to President Sandoval and Athletic Director Stephanie Rempe, as well as the entire Nevada Athletics staff, for entrusting me with the opportunity to lead Nevada Football into the future. Together, we are ready to climb the mountain, instill the ‘Battle Born’ mentality, and create a transformative experience for our players. Our goal is to reignite the fire within the Wolf Pack and elevate the program to championship heights.

To the young men of this program, your character and toughness will be the driving forces behind our pursuit of excellence. You embody the true spirit of Wolf Pack football, and we are committed to making the Reno and Northern Nevada communities proud. Let's get to work and write the next inspiring chapter in the legacy of Nevada Football."

Just Friday, the Wolf Pack released head football coach Ken Wilson after two seasons. Immediately after, Nevada announced it would start a national search for a new coach. 

Several media outlets, including Sports Illustrated, are reporting that Texas co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Jeff Choate will be picked for the job, but there's no official word from Nevada if that will happen during Monday's announcement.

Texas won its fourth Big 12 title on Saturday against Oklahoma State, their first since 2009. They also won the championship game in the league’s inaugural 1996 season and in 2005 when they were last national champs.

(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)