Jeff Choate was named the 28th head coach of the Nevada Wolf Pack in December 2023, his second venture as a head coach. The former Texas Longhorns co-defensive coordinator replaces Ken Wilson, who was fired after only winning four games in two seasons.
Nevada granted their new head coach one of its biggest-ever contracts ahead of the 2024 season, but what is Choate’s salary, contract, and net worth?
Jeff Choate’s Salary and Contract in 2024
Choate signed a five-year contract worth $5.775 million in December 2023, earning him $1.05 million in 2024.
The annual salary in the deal is broken down into a $300,000 base salary with an additional $750,000 for media and public appearances paid in monthly installments.
Nevada Sports Net reports that the appearance section of the deal increases by $50,000 annually, meaning that Choate’s annual salary goes up in increments.
Choate will earn $1.05 million in 2024, $1.1 million in 2025, $1.15 million in 2926, $1.2 million in 2027 and $1.25 million in 2028.
The deal is one of the biggest in Nevada’s sports history, making Choate the highest-paid football coach in Wolf Pack history.
On top of the annual salary, there are a host of bonuses available for the Wolf Pack HC to attain. Choate’s bonus package is broken into different sections, but it cannot exceed $475,000 per year.
Firstly, the Nevada HC will earn $25,000 for winning Mountain West Coach of the Year. Additionally, $50,000 is awarded if he wins National Coach of the Year.
Secondly, Choate earns either $25,000 for playing in the Mountain West Championship Game or $50,000 if Nevada takes home the conference crown.
Thirdly, there are several postseason bonuses on offer. With various options available, Choate will only be granted one bonus of the following (whichever is higher):
- $10,000 for playing in a bowl game.
- $25,000 for winning a bowl game.
- $50,000 for playing in a New Year’s Six bowl game.
- $100,000 if they win a New Year’s Six bowl game.
- $100,000 for playing in the college football playoffs.
- $150,000 for a playoff quarterfinal.
- $200,000 for a CFP semifinal.
- $250,000 for a National Championship Game appearance.
- $350,000 for a College Football National Championship win.
Fourthly, Choate is awarded $25,000 biannually if the team retains a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Lastly, there are several perks that Choate is awarded as head coach of the Nevada football team. He gains the following:
- Eight season tickets and a Skybox at Mackay Stadium.
- Four season tickets to other sports.
- Country club membership.
- $1000 monthly car allowance.
- $100 cell phone allowance.
- Can explore solo opportunities for shoe and apparel sponsorship.
Choate takes over a struggling Nevada team, and the Wolf Pack are ranked dead last in our Mountain West Power Rankings. The head coach is full of experience, but turning Nevada around will not be easy.
Choate’s Net Worth
Choate’s official net worth is currently unknown. However, we can calculate his annual salaries using the USAToday Salary Tracker.
Since 2009, Choate has earned a minimum of $3.4 million, excluding his contract with Montana State — which has not been declared. However, that number does not reflect the undeclared Montana State contract, bonuses, or salaries earned before 2009.
The number includes salaries earned as an assistant at Texas — where Choate earned $625,000 in 2023 — almost double what he earned as an assistant at Washington, Florida, and Boise State.
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Choate has been a college and high school coach since 1992 but got his first shot as a head coach in 2016 with Montana State. After leaving to become co-defensive coordinator with the Texas Longhorns, Choate will return as a head coach in 2024.
Adding in Choate’s contract with Nevada, his career earnings will exceed $9.1 million by 2028.
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