Report: Nevada set to hire former Wolfpack assistant as next head coach

The Nevada Wolfpack are nearing an agreement with former assistant coach Ken Wilson to become the next head football coach, per FootballScoop. He is in his first season as co-defensive coordinator at Oregon after joining the Ducks’ staff in 2019 as an inside linebackers coach.

Nevada has been in search of a coach since Monday, when Jay Norvell announced his intentions to leave for Colorado State. He led the Wolfpack to a 33-26 record in five seasons, including 8-4 this year.

Wilson held a variety of roles for the 19 years he was an assistant coach of the Wolfpack. He coached the defensive line, linebackers and safeties, while also serving as defensive coordinator for four seasons. He was the program’s associate head coach from 2008-2012.

Since Wilson’s arrival in Eugene, the Ducks have yet to miss a Pac-12 Championship game. They claimed back-to-back titles in 2019 and 2020 before falling to Utah this season. Under Wilson’s direction, Oregon finished fourth in the Pac-12 in total defense.

Ducks coach Mario Cristobal left the program to become the Miami Hurricanes’ next coach at the conclusion of the 2021 regular season.

Should he take over Nevada, it would be the first college head coach job for Ken Wilson. According to the report, the two sides met Thursday and a deal could be finalize very soon.

In addition to Nevada and Oregon, Wilson has also spent time as an assistant for at Washington State. After joining the staff in 2013, he helped Mike Leach to lead the Cougars to a program-record 11 wins in 2018. He took a job with Oregon the following year.

Throughout his career, Wilson has been fortunate to coach 17 players that would go on to enjoy careers in the NFL. That number will rise to 18 after this season, with Ducks defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux expected to be a top five draft pick.

Nevada is set to take on Western Michigan in the Quick Lane Bowl on Dec. 27. Meanwhile, Oregon faces Oklahoma in the Alamo Bowl on Dec. 29.