Best college football coach in history from each state

TUSCALOOSA, AL - CIRCA 1958-1982: Paul Bryant, head coach of the University of Alabama Crimson Tide football team observes the play during a game at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Alabama) (Photo by University of Alabama/Collegiate Images/Getty Images) /

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HONOLULU, HI – SEPTEMBER 22: Head Coach Chris Ault of the Nevada Wolfpack runs out onto the field before the start of a NCAA game against the Hawaii Warriors on September 22, 2012 at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii. (Photo by Kent Nishimura/Getty Images) /

Nevada: Chris Ault

Neither FBS program in Nevada has been able to find much sustained success, outside of Ault’s lengthy run with the Wolfpack.

Ault played quarterback for Nevada between 1965-1968 and remained in the Reno area as a high school coach upon graduation for a period of four years. After a three-year stop at UNLV as an assistant, Nevada hired Ault as head coach in 1976, a decision that would pay off for over three decades.

The Wolfpack had not won a conference championship since 1939 but immediately enjoyed success under Ault with a pair of 8-3 seasons. Ault led the Wolfpack to an 11-1 record in his third season with a berth in the Division I-AA Semifinals, a feat he would match six more times before Nevada moved up a level in 1992.

That transition didn’t deter Ault, as the Wolfpack made two bowl appearances in three years before he stepped to focus on athletic director duties in 1995. Ault rejoined the team as head coach in 2004 and installed the innovative pistol offense, which helped the Wolfpack to a program-best 13-1 mark and No. 11 finish in the AP Poll in 2010.

Upon his retirement in 2012, Ault had racked up 233 wins and helped Nevada ascend all the way from Division II independent to Mountain West Conference member during his tenure. Nevada has only had middling success without Ault, while state rival UNLV has just one double-digit win season in its history.

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