RENO — Bill Best, who coached at Rice for the past two seasons and who had a successful run as the line coach and run-game coordinator at Stephen F. Austin, has been hired by Jay Norvell as Nevada’s offensive line coach.
“Bill is tremendously knowledgeable,” Norvell said. “He’s been a coordinator as well as an offensive line coach, and he has experience with both Air Raid and West Coast Offense principles. He is a perfect fit for Nevada and we’re excited to have him on board.”
After beginning his coaching career at the high school level, Best has spent the bulk of his college career in Texas, beginning at the junior college level in 2004 with stops at West Texas A&M, Central Arkansas, Stephen F. Austin and Rice.
He coached tight ends at Rice in 2018 and 2019 after a strong four-year run at SFA with the Lumberjacks.
While at Nacogdoches, SFA averaged 435 yards per game in 2016 and 2017, including a rushing offense that put up more than 200 yards a game in 2017.
The Lumberjacks’ offensive line also paved the way for a 1,600-yard rusher during Best’s first season in 2014.
“I am thrilled for the opportunity work for Jay Norvell and to coach the Union for the Wolf Pack,” Best said. “The Nevada football program is headed in a great direction and I can’t wait to get started.”
Best inherits a young Wolf Pack line that was tested during the 2019 season, but returns every starter going into 2020 including senior tackles Miles Beach and Nate Brown.
Best has seen 11 of his offensive linemen sign professional contracts during his coaching career.
Prior to SFA, Best spent the previous two seasons as the offensive line coach for Central Arkansas. Best spent six seasons at West Texas A&M, beginning his career with the Buffs in 2006 as a graduate assistant before being elevated to associate head coach and offensive line coach in 2007.
In 2011 he served as offensive coordinator for the Buffaloes.
Best spent two seasons as the offensive coordinator and recruiting coordinator at Ranger College (2004-05) after beginning his coaching career at the high school level in Louisiana.
He played at Millsaps College and Louisiana Monroe.
