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Everything imaginable has gone through the minds of University of Nevada Wolf Pack fans since the end of the Gildan New Mexico Bowl, when head coach Chris Ault said that changes needed to be made, but the news Pack fans were in for today, was largely unexpected. On Thursday, rumors flooded the reports after news of an oddly timed press conference was announced for Friday.
CBS’ Bruce Feldman broke the news first, tweeting:
Chris Ault, 66, was the only active coach to have been inducted in the College Football Hall of Fame, and in his 28 years, he put up a record of 223 wins, 109 losses, and one tie.
2010 was a year that Nevada, and the Pistol solidified itself on a national front, by finishing the season 13-1, and No. 11 in the nation, with much of the focus on the Pistol and quarterback Colin Kaepernick. Since then, the offensive scheme has manifested itself on the college and professional levels, with prime time highlights every game day.
The Godfather finished his final 2012 season 5th in the Mountain West Conference, but above .500 with a 7-6 record, with three of the losses at a one-point differential.
Ault inspired a winning legacy for the Wolf Pack Football Program, and whether fans liked him or not, he was innovative when it came to devising new and unique methods. Ault was the University of Nevada. He gave players hope. Players who had no other scholarship offers, or had many offers withdrawn following an injury.
With Athletic Director Cary Groth gone after this year, some questioned whether Ault would assume the responsibilities of that role, but sources close to the program say that his retirement is indefinite. He spent 41 years with the program, so regardless of retirement stipulations, I think we’ll still see him around the field house every now and then.
This is truly the end of an era for Nevada, but Jim Mastro was in attendance at the press conference today, so that leaves major speculation that the Pack could poach him from Washington State.
Mastro was with Nevada from 2000-2010 producing five 1,000 yard seasons rushing, breaking WAC records.
No word on how, or if this announcement will effect recruiting for the Pack, but the athletic department and President need to find a replacement who will ensure the Pistol’s longevity.
Follow VF Castro on Twitter: @VFdoesFootball
