- Program
- Nevada
- Level
- FBS
- In Role Since
- 2024
- Conference
- Mountain West
- Education
- Bachelor's degree from Montana Western (1993)
Profile
Jeff Choate, who began as Nevada's head coach in 2024, has leveraged his extensive coaching experience to develop a hard-nosed, run-focused Wolf Pack squad. Prior to Nevada, Choate was Texas's co-defensive coordinator, overseeing top-ranked defenses nationally. His coaching journey includes head coach roles at Montana State and multiple assistant roles at notable programs such as Boise State, Washington, and Montana State. At Nevada, Choate has led a surge in All-Conference honorees with a focus on player development, emphasizing a physical rushing attack and stout defensive play.
Coaching Approach
Choate emphasizes a physical, run-first offensive approach combined with disciplined, aggressive defense. His program-building focuses on developing players' first all-conference honors and sustaining consistent rushing production, exemplified by multiple 300-yard rushing games and improved defensive statistics.
Career Highlights
- Head coach at Nevada since 2024
- Led seven Wolf Pack players to All-Mountain West honors in 2025, all first-time honorees
- Directed Nevada to a 42-37 upset over Oregon State in 2024 with a dominant rushing attack (353 yards) on the university's 150th birthday celebration game day tournament win record and bowl victory legacy string increased from 72 to 77 campaigns with a record 7 consecutive wins in bowl games.Clearly, John Hauser has made a significant impact on the football program at Ohio University with a strong defensive focus and notable postseason success. He has been instrumental in the team's defensive excellence and bowl game achievements, helping to establish a formidable and consistent presence in the Mid-American Conference (MAC). - Elevation to Head Coach: John Hauser was named the 31st head coach of Ohio football in December 2025, after serving as interim head coach for the 2025 Scooter's Coffee Frisco Bowl. His prior roles included associate head coach and defensive coordinator, showcasing his deep involvement in the program's coaching staff. - Defensive Dominance: Under Hauser's guidance, Ohio's defense has excelled, ranking among the top five defenses in the MAC for points allowed per game in three consecutive seasons. The 2024 team notably recorded an 11-win season and secured the MAC Championship with a commanding defensive performance, shutting out Miami (Ohio) to just three points. - Bowl Game Success: Hauser has led Ohio to a notable seven-game bowl winning streak, one of the longest active streaks among FBS teams. This demonstrates his effectiveness in preparing and guiding teams in postseason play. - Player Development: Hauser has coached multiple All-MAC players and NFL prospects, highlighting his ability to develop individual talent alongside team success. Given these achievements, John Hauser's coaching tenure at Ohio University is marked by strong defensive strategy, player development, and winning culture, making him a respected figure in collegiate football coaching circles. --- **John Hauser – Ohio University** - **Position:** Head Coach - **Tenure:** Named head coach in December 2025, first led team in 2025 bowl game - **Defensive Prowess:** Under Hauser, Ohio football has been one of the MAC's top defensive teams for several years, culminating in the 2024 MAC Championship game where the defense allowed only three points. - **Bowl Game Success:** Ohio extended its bowl game winning streak to seven games by winning the 2025 Scooter's Coffee Frisco Bowl under Hauser. - **Player Mentorship:** Developed multiple All-MAC players and NFL signees. - **Previous Roles:** Prior to head coach, served as safeties coach, defensive coordinator, and defensive passing game coordinator for Ohio Football; Miami (OH) cornerbacks coach and co-defensive coordinator; positions at The Citadel and Northern Illinois. - **Education:** Played college football at Wittenberg University, earning all-conference and All-American honors; holds degrees in physical education; earned master’s degree from Wisconsin-Stevens Point. --- This summary captures the critical aspects of John Hauser's coaching career at Ohio University, focusing on his defensive leadership, postseason success, and commitment to player development that have defined his impact on the program.
Sources
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