Less than two days after it was initially reported, Nevada has officially landed its man.
The football program confirmed in a press release Friday Jay Norvell has been selected as the Wolf Pack’s new head coach. Norvell was one of three finalists for the job, the others being Eastern Washington head coach Beau Baldwin and Vanderbilt offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig.
Norvell replaces Brian Polian, who “mutually parted ways” with the football program last month after four seasons. This is Norvell’s first head-coaching job at any level.
“I am thrilled to hire Jay Norvell to serve as our head football coach,” athletic director Doug Knuth said in a statement. “Coach Norvell is known throughout college and NFL football as a man of great character and integrity. He is highly respected for his knowledge of the game and ability to teach his players. He has incredible relationships and an army of friends in high school, college and professional football.
“Lastly, and importantly, Coach Norvell is known for his passion and love for his players. He will set a very high standard for excellence and work tirelessly to achieve our goals academically and athletically. I am excited to watch Coach Norvell build Wolf Pack football into a championship program.”
Norvell just completed his first regular season as an assistant on Todd Graham‘s Arizona State coaching staff. With the Sun Devils, Norvell served as wide receivers coach and passing game coordinator.
Norvell has spent most of his nearly three decades in coaching at Power Five programs, with stops that included Texas (2015), Oklahoma (2008-14), UCLA (2007), Nebraska (2004-06), Iowa State (1995-97), Wisconsin (1989-94) and Iowa (1986-87). He also spent six seasons as an assistant in the NFL — 1998-2001 as the wide receivers coach of the Indianapolis Colts, 2002-03 as tight ends coach of the Oakland Raiders.
“I want to thank University president Marc Johnson and Doug Knuth for this tremendous opportunity,” Norvell said. “Our family is humbled and honored to lead the Nevada football program. It is our charge to make this the flagship program of the Mountain West Conference.”