Reno, NV (Sports Network) - Chris Ault, the only active FBS head coach currently enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame, announced his retirement after a 28-year tenure at Nevada on Friday.
Ault compiled a 233-109-1 record over three separate stints with the Wolf Pack and guided the program to 16 postseason appearances and 10 conference titles. He is also credited with creating the Pistol Offense, which he initially unveiled in 2005.
The 66-year-old also played quarterback for Nevada from 1965-67 and served as the university's athletic director from 1986-2004. As a player, coach and administrator, Ault was associated with the Wolf Pack for a total of 41 years.
"Chris Ault truly has been Nevada Football for more than 40 years," said Nevada athletic director Cary Groth. "He has left an indelible footprint on not only the football program, but the university as well. His legacy is one of success, honor and tradition. There is a reason that he is in the Hall of Fame and was one of the youngest coaches ever inducted. I know I speak for the entire community in congratulating -- and sincerely thanking -- Coach for his honorable service to college football and our university."
Ault was originally named Nevada's head coach in 1976, when the Wolf Pack then competed at the Division II level, and directed Nevada to seven NCAA Division- IAA playoff appearances -- including a berth in the 1990 national championship game.
The Wolf Pack joined the FBS in 1992 and captured the Big West championship as well as an invitation to the Las Vegas Bowl that year. He stepped down following that season to concentrate on his AD duties, but returned to the sidelines in 1994 and coached two more years before again retiring.
Ault came back as Nevada's head coach in 2004, two years after being inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. In nine seasons following his return, the Wolf Pack posted seven winning campaigns and have gone to a bowl game in eight consecutive years.
The 2012 Wolf Pack finished with a 7-6 record and a 49-48 loss to Arizona in the Dec. 15 New Mexico Bowl.
Ault also owns the record for most coaching wins at his alma mater, passing Bear Bryant for that distinction this past season.
