Nevada tabs Polian to lead football program

Jan 8, 2013 - 12:44 AM Reno, NV (Sports Network) - The University of Nevada announced Monday they have an agreement with Brian Polian to become the school's 26th head football coach.

Director of athletics Cary Groth and University president Marc Johnson proposed a recommendation for Polian, who spent last season as an assistant at Texas A&M, that will be forwarded to the Board of Regents for consideration during a scheduled meeting on Friday.

The proposal calls for a five-year contract and a base salary of $475,000, plus incentives.

Polian, who has 16 years of collegiate coaching experience - including the last eight with BCS programs - comes to Nevada after a one-year stint as the special teams coordinator and tight ends coach at Texas A&M.

"Brian brings terrific energy and enthusiasm, an impressive and well-grounded coaching philosophy and a tremendous reputation as a recruiter and coach," Johnson said. "These characteristics are even more impressive when you consider the outstanding programs with which he has been affiliated. I am convinced Brian is the right coach to continue the momentum and lead Wolf Pack Football to new levels of success.

"Our selection of Brian as the finalist candidate follows a national search and interviews with an impressive and diverse pool of candidates."

The 38-year old, who is known for his strong recruiting abilities, previously coached at Stanford (2010-2011), Notre Dame (2005-09), Central Florida (2004) and Buffalo (2001-03).

Former Wolf Pack coaching legend and College Football Hall of Fame inductee Chris Ault retired from the sidelines at Nevada on Dec. 28 after compiling a 233-109-1 career record during 28 years and three separate stints with the Wolf Pack.

"I would like to thank President Johnson and Cary for the incredible opportunity that they have presented me with," Polian said. "I cannot express how excited I am to lead the Nevada football program into what will be a very bright future. I also want to take a moment to recognize and thank Coach Ault for the incredible foundation he has laid for Wolf Pack football. It is an honor for me to work to continue that legacy."

The official hiring of Polian is on the agenda for the Nevada System of Higher Education Board of Regents on Friday.