Houston Nutt
Houston Dale Nutt Jr. (born October 14, 1957) is an American former college football player and coach, best known for his successful tenures as head coach at the University of Arkansas and the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss).[1][2] Nutt compiled a career head coaching record of 134–97 over 19 seasons, including stops at Murray State University (1993–1996), Boise State University (1997), Arkansas (1998–2007), and Ole Miss (2008–2011).[3] His teams appeared in nine bowl games, achieving a 4–5 record, with notable victories in the Cotton Bowl Classic in 2000 (Arkansas over Texas), 2009 (Ole Miss over Texas Tech), and 2010 (Ole Miss over Oklahoma State).[3][4] Nutt began his collegiate playing career as a quarterback at the University of Arkansas in 1976, where he started several games as a freshman under coach Frank Broyles, and also competed in basketball.[5] After transferring to Oklahoma State University, he played quarterback from 1979 to 1981 while continuing to participate in basketball.[6] Following his playing days, Nutt entered coaching as an assistant, including a stint as wide receivers coach at Arkansas from 1990 to 1992.[7] As head coach at Arkansas, Nutt led the Razorbacks to a 75–48 record, seven bowl appearances, and co-championships in the Southeastern Conference's Western Division in 2002 and 2006.[3][8] At Ole Miss, he guided the Rebels to a 24–26 mark over four seasons, including back-to-back Cotton Bowl victories in 2009 and 2010, and a 9–4 finish in 2008 that earned a share of the SEC West title.[3][4] Nutt stepped down from coaching after the 2011 season and transitioned to broadcasting, joining CBS Sports as a college football studio analyst in 2012 until his retirement in 2023.[6][9] In 2018, he was inducted into the Cotton Bowl Hall of Fame, the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame in 2019, and the University of Arkansas Hall of Honor in 2023 for his contributions to the game.[8][5][10]Early life and playing career
Early life and family
Houston Dale Nutt Jr. was born on October 14, 1957, in Little Rock, Arkansas, to Houston Dale Nutt Sr. and Emogene Nutt.[11] His father served as a high school coach, athletic director, and school administrator at the Arkansas School for the Deaf in Little Rock, while his mother was an English teacher at the same institution.[5] As the eldest of four sons—followed by brothers Dickey, Danny, and Dennis—Nutt grew up in a family deeply immersed in sports, with his siblings later pursuing coaching and athletic careers themselves.[12] The Nutt family resided on the campus of the Arkansas School for the Deaf, where the brothers were exposed to athletics from a young age through their father's coaching roles in basketball, baseball, and football.[12] Living in this environment, the boys learned American Sign Language early on, fostering a strong connection to the deaf community and instilling values of discipline and teamwork central to their father's profession. The family's stable life in Little Rock provided a foundation of athletic passion that influenced Nutt's development. Nutt attended Little Rock Central High School, where he excelled as a quarterback on the football team.[13] As a senior in 1975, he led the Tigers to a perfect 12-0 record, culminating in a state championship victory over rival Little Rock Hall on Thanksgiving Day.[5] This success highlighted his early leadership in sports and paved the way for his transition to college athletics. In his early personal life, Nutt married Diana Thomas on December 10, 1983; the couple has four children, including son Houston Nutt III and daughters Hailey, Hanna (twins), and Haven.[14]College athletic career
Houston Nutt began his collegiate athletic career at the University of Arkansas in 1976, where he played quarterback for the Razorbacks under head coach Frank Broyles.[8] As a freshman, he started four games at quarterback. Over his two seasons at Arkansas, he was a member of the team that achieved a 31–6 upset victory over the No. 2-ranked Oklahoma Sooners in the 1978 Orange Bowl.[8] Over two seasons with Arkansas (1976-1977), Nutt completed 22 of 37 passes for 537 yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions, while also participating in the Razorbacks' basketball program under coach Eddie Sutton.[15] Following his time at Arkansas, Nutt transferred to Oklahoma State University, where he was the quarterback from 1979 to 1981 under coach Jimmy Johnson, though his passing stats were recorded over the 1979 and 1980 seasons.[6] In those two seasons with the Cowboys (1979-1980), he recorded 22 completions out of 44 attempts for 593 passing yards, three touchdowns, and six interceptions, helping the team achieve 7-4 records in both years.[16] Nutt also played basketball at Oklahoma State, joining his brother Dickey on the team, which provided him with a dual-sport experience that emphasized discipline and versatility—qualities influenced by his father's long coaching career at the high school and college levels.[5] These experiences as a student-athlete, marked by limited but formative playing time under prominent coaches like Broyles and Johnson, laid the groundwork for Nutt's transition to coaching. He earned a bachelor's degree in physical education from Oklahoma State in 1981 and immediately joined the Cowboys' staff as a graduate assistant under Johnson, beginning his professional path in football.[5][17]Coaching career
Assistant coaching positions
Nutt began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Oklahoma State University from 1981 to 1982 under head coach Jimmy Johnson, where he gained foundational experience in program operations and player development following his playing days as a quarterback for the Cowboys.[17] His early roles emphasized quarterback coaching and recruiting, drawing on his own collegiate experience at the University of Arkansas to build expertise in offensive schemes.[18] In 1982, Nutt transitioned to the University of Oklahoma as quarterbacks coach under Barry Switzer, a position he held through 1989, during which the Sooners achieved notable success, including the 1985 national championship.[18][19] As quarterbacks coach, Nutt contributed to the development of young signal-callers, including freshman Troy Aikman in 1984, while assisting in game planning for an offense that helped propel Oklahoma to the 1985 national championship after the 1984 season's Orange Bowl victory over Penn State.[18] His recruiting efforts focused on quarterbacks and skill players, enhancing the Sooners' depth in a run-heavy system that emphasized explosive plays. Following his time at Oklahoma, Nutt served as wide receivers coach at Arkansas from 1990 to 1992 under head coach Jack Crowe.[7] Nutt returned to his home state in 1985 as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at the University of Arkansas under Ken Hatfield, serving through 1989 and overseeing the implementation of an innovative "air-it-out" offense that prioritized passing efficiency and balanced attacks.[18] During this period, the Razorbacks posted a 45-14 overall record, with seasons of 10-2 in 1985, 9-3 in 1986, 9-4 in 1987, 10-2 in 1988, and 7-5 in 1989, securing two Southwest Conference titles and five bowl appearances.[20][21] Nutt's schemes facilitated the development of key players, such as running back Barry Foster, who earned All-American honors in 1989 after rushing for 1,641 yards and 22 touchdowns, while the offense ranked among the nation's leaders in total yards and scoring. His progression from graduate assistant to coordinator roles honed his ability to design multifaceted offensive strategies, blending option elements with aerial attacks that influenced his later head coaching philosophies.Head coach at Murray State
Houston Nutt was named head football coach at Murray State University on December 15, 1992, at the age of 35, succeeding Mike Mahoney and becoming the program's first Division I-AA head coach after serving as an assistant at the University of Arkansas.[22][23] His prior experience as offensive coordinator at Arkansas provided the foundation for his rapid ascent to a head coaching position in the Ohio Valley Conference.[24] Over four seasons from 1993 to 1996, Nutt compiled an overall record of 31-16 (.660), marking one of the most successful eras in Murray State football history and elevating the Racers to consistent contention.[25] The 1993 campaign ended at 4-7 overall (4-4 in conference), a transitional year focused on rebuilding. Improvement followed in 1994 with a 5-6 record (4-4 OVC), setting the stage for dominance. In 1995, the Racers achieved an 11-1 mark (8-0 OVC), capturing their first conference championship under Nutt and earning a Division I-AA playoff berth, where they advanced to the first round before falling; Nutt was honored as OVC Coach of the Year and regional Coach of the Year for the turnaround.[6][26] The momentum carried into 1996, with an 11-2 finish (8-0 OVC), repeating as conference champions and securing another playoff appearance, including the program's first postseason victory.[27] Nutt's recruiting efforts emphasized talent from Kentucky and neighboring states, yielding three OVC Players of the Year, 31 All-OVC selections, and seven All-America honors during his tenure, which bolstered the team's depth and contributed to back-to-back undefeated conference records (16-0 OVC from 1995-1996).[25] His offensive approach emphasized tempo and efficiency, helping the Racers average strong scoring outputs in championship seasons, though specific innovations like no-huddle elements became more prominent in later roles. Following the 1996 playoffs, Nutt departed for Boise State University in late December 1996, drawn by the opportunity at a larger Division I-A program despite the Racers' recent successes.[28]Head coach at Boise State
Houston Nutt was hired as head football coach at Boise State University on December 27, 1996, leaving his position at Murray State University after compiling a 26-10 record over four seasons there.[7] The move came after Boise State's 2-10 finish in 1996 under interim coach Tom Mason, amid the program's struggles following the illness of longtime coach Pokey Allen.[29] Nutt, known for his up-tempo offensive schemes developed at Murray State, aimed to revitalize the Broncos in the Division I-A Big West Conference.[24] In his lone season leading Boise State in 1997, Nutt guided the team to a 4-7 overall record and 3-2 mark in conference play, representing a modest turnaround from the prior year's performance.[30] The Broncos scored 285 points across 11 games, averaging 25.9 points per contest—an increase from 20.0 points per game in 1996.[31][32] Nutt's emphasis on a pass-oriented attack featured the development of sophomore quarterback Bart Hendricks, who appeared in eight games, completing 87 of 165 passes for 1,121 yards, eight touchdowns, and seven interceptions.[33] The season included competitive conference results, with wins contributing to Boise State's third-place tie in the Big West standings.[30] Nutt's brief stint elevated the program's visibility through his dynamic offensive approach, setting the stage for his next opportunity. In late December 1997, following speculation about interest from Southeastern Conference programs, Nutt accepted the head coaching position at Arkansas.[34][7]Head coach at Arkansas
Houston Nutt was hired as the head football coach at the University of Arkansas on December 10, 1997, at the age of 40, becoming the 29th head coach in program history following the interim tenure of Joe Kines after Jack Crowe's dismissal.[35] The hiring came after Arkansas endured consecutive losing seasons, with expectations centered on revitalizing a program that had not achieved consistent success in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) since the Frank Broyles era. Nutt, a native Arkansan and former Razorback player, signed a five-year contract worth approximately $500,000 annually, bringing his one-year stint at Boise State—where he led the Broncos to a 4-7 record—as a key credential for the SEC position.[34] Over his 10-year tenure from 1998 to 2007, Nutt compiled an overall record of 75-48 (.610), marking the third-most wins by an Arkansas coach behind only Broyles and Lou Holtz.[8] His teams qualified for eight bowl games, tying for the second-most in program history at the time, with a 3-5 bowl record that included a 27-6 victory over Texas in the 2000 Cotton Bowl Classic.[8] Arkansas achieved three SEC Western Division titles under Nutt (1998, 2002, and 2006), advancing to the SEC Championship Game twice, and earned four nine-win seasons, averaging over seven wins per year—elevating the Razorbacks to consistent national relevance in a competitive conference.[6] Nutt's early years brought immediate turnaround, with a 47-21 record from 1998 to 2002, highlighted by back-to-back nine-win seasons in 1998 and 1999, the 1998 SEC West co-championship, and the 2002 Cotton Bowl appearance after another division title.[8] The program peaked in 2006 with a 10-4 overall record, an outright SEC West championship, and a 17-14 win over Wisconsin in the Capital One Bowl, fueled by a dynamic rushing attack led by freshman sensation Darren McFadden, who rushed for 1,830 yards and 16 touchdowns.[36] However, the later period from 2004 to 2007 saw a 31-19 mark amid mounting fan and booster pressure, including a 4-7 finish in 2005 that intensified scrutiny despite the subsequent rebound.[35] Nutt's offenses emphasized up-tempo play and spread concepts with Air Raid influences, particularly after hiring David Lee as offensive coordinator in 2006, who helped develop quarterback Casey Dick into an SEC standout with 2,702 passing yards that season. Earlier, the system showcased versatile talents like wide receiver and quarterback hybrid Matt Jones, who set school records with 160 rushing yards in a single game as a senior in 2003 and contributed to the 2002 SEC West title.[37] These innovations transformed Arkansas into one of the SEC's more explosive units, ranking in the top three in total offense multiple times during Nutt's tenure. Nutt resigned on November 27, 2007, following an 8-4 regular season that included a dramatic 50-48 triple-overtime upset of No. 1 LSU but only a 3-5 SEC mark, amid escalating conflicts with boosters over recruiting transparency and program direction.[35] The university agreed to a $3.575 million buyout from his contract, which had been extended through 2012 after the 2006 success, allowing Nutt to depart without being fired despite the internal standoff.[38] His Razorbacks team went on to play in the Cotton Bowl under interim coach Reggie Herring, but Nutt's exit marked the end of a transformative era that restored Arkansas to SEC contention.[39]Head coach at Ole Miss
Houston Nutt was hired as the head football coach at the University of Mississippi on November 27, 2007, immediately following his resignation from the same position at Arkansas, and agreed to a four-year contract valued at $7.4 million with options for three additional years.[40] The move came amid expectations that Nutt's proven recruiting success in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) would revitalize a Rebels program that had posted four consecutive losing seasons under predecessor Ed Orgeron, finishing 3-9 in 2007.[41] Nutt inherited a squad eager for stability, and his arrival marked the beginning of a tenure focused on offensive innovation drawn from his prior successes. Nutt's first season in 2008 resulted in a 9-4 overall record (5-3 in SEC play), capped by a 47-34 victory over Texas Tech in the Cotton Bowl Classic, the program's first bowl win since 2004.[42] This turnaround represented Ole Miss's first winning season since 2003 and earned Nutt SEC Coach of the Year honors.[43] The 2009 campaign mirrored the success with another 9-4 mark (4-4 SEC), including a second straight Cotton Bowl appearance and a 21-7 triumph over Oklahoma State, achieving back-to-back nine-win seasons for the first time since 1961-62.[44] However, the 2010 season saw regression to a 4-8 record (1-7 SEC), with no postseason berth, as the team struggled amid quarterback inconsistencies following the midseason transfer of Jeremiah Masoli from Oregon, who started eight games but threw eight interceptions against nine touchdowns. Defensive woes compounded the issues, allowing an average of 25.8 points per game. The 2011 season marked a full collapse, with Ole Miss finishing 2-10 (0-8 SEC) after starting 2-0 but then dropping 10 straight games, including losses to rivals Auburn and Mississippi State. Nutt's defenses ranked near the bottom of the SEC in points allowed (31.5 per game), while offensive production faltered without a consistent quarterback solution. On November 7, 2011, amid the skid and 12 consecutive SEC losses—a school record—Nutt mutually agreed to part ways with the program, though he coached the final regular-season game, a 31-23 loss to Mississippi State on November 28. Over four seasons, Nutt compiled a 24-26 overall record (.480 winning percentage) and 10-22 in SEC play, with two bowl victories but no conference titles. In the years following Nutt's departure, NCAA investigations into the program led to significant sanctions. On February 11, 2019, Ole Miss vacated all wins from the 2010 and 2011 seasons—six victories from Nutt's era—along with 27 others from later years, resulting in a total of 33 vacated wins, two years of probation, and a one-year bowl ban (self-imposed in part).[45] The violations included academic misconduct and failure to monitor by Nutt's staff, though the bulk of the case centered on subsequent administrations; the vacated wins effectively erased Nutt's 2010 and 2011 records to 0-8 and 0-12, respectively.[46]Post-coaching career
Broadcasting role
Following his resignation as head coach at Ole Miss in December 2011, Houston Nutt transitioned to a broadcasting career, joining CBS Sports in 2012 as a college football studio analyst on CBS Sports Network.[6] His role quickly expanded to include pregame and halftime analysis on CBS broadcasts, particularly focusing on Southeastern Conference (SEC) games, where he provided detailed breakdowns of offensive strategies and quarterback performance drawn from his extensive coaching experience in the league.[47] Nutt's commentary often highlighted the nuances of SEC playcalling and player development, offering viewers a firsthand coach's perspective on high-stakes matchups.[48] Over his 11 seasons with CBS, Nutt contributed to coverage of major events, including the SEC Championship Game, where he joined hosts like Brent Stover to preview contenders and analyze key decisions.[49] He also conducted interviews with former players and coaches, enriching broadcasts with personal anecdotes that illuminated team dynamics and career transitions in college football.[50] His appearances on Saturday studio shows alongside Adam Zucker and Brian Jones became a staple, emphasizing balanced insights without favoring former teams.[47] Nutt announced his departure from CBS on August 16, 2023, after 11 years, stating it was time to prioritize family, including more moments as "Pappy" to his grandchildren.[51] In reflections shared during his final season, he noted the unique appeal of broadcasting: "When the game is over, you don't ever lose," appreciating the opportunity to watch games and collaborate with colleagues.[51] During this period, Nutt expressed no interest in returning to coaching, focusing instead on his media contributions.[52] He was widely regarded for delivering fair, informed analysis that bridged the gap between sideline strategy and fan accessibility, enhancing CBS's college football programming.[51]Later activities
Following his departure from CBS Sports in August 2023 after an 11-year tenure as a college football analyst, Houston Nutt retired from broadcasting to focus on personal pursuits.[53][54] He resides in McKinney, Texas, with his wife Diana and their family, including son Houston Nutt III and daughters Hailey, Hanna, and Haven.[55][56] Nutt has embraced public speaking and motivational roles, leveraging his broadcasting background to share coaching insights at various events. In October 2024, he appeared as a keynote speaker at the Northwest Arkansas Summit, where he discussed leadership and resilience drawn from his coaching experiences.[24] He also spoke at the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation camp in June 2024, inspiring young athletes with lessons on perseverance, and addressed the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame induction in April 2025, honoring fellow coach Gary Shimek.[57][58] In 2025 media discussions amid Arkansas Razorbacks' program challenges under head coach Sam Pittman, Nutt has been speculated as a potential athletic director or consultant due to his historical ties and popularity with fans and boosters, though he has no official involvement.[59] Nutt has directed attention toward philanthropy, particularly youth sports initiatives, including ongoing support for the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation, which promotes character development through football and was inspired in part by his tenure at Arkansas.[60] His family remains a priority, with updates highlighting the continued involvement of relatives in sports; for instance, nephews like Logan Nutt have pursued coaching paths, extending the family's legacy.[61] No major health issues have been reported for Nutt as of late 2025, allowing him to emphasize work-life balance in his post-career reflections during public appearances, where he often underscores the importance of family time after decades in high-pressure coaching roles.[55]Controversies
Recruiting allegations
The NCAA launched an investigation into the University of Mississippi's football program in 2012, with a focus on recruiting practices during the 2008 signing class through the 2011 signing class under head coach Houston Nutt.[62] The probe examined potential violations including impermissible contacts, extra benefits provided to prospects, and academic misconduct facilitated by coaching staff.[63] Key infractions identified from Nutt's tenure centered on actions by assistant coaches David Saunders and Chris Vaughn. In 2010, the pair arranged for three recruits to take ACT exams at Wayne County High School, where test administrators—coached by Vaughn—altered blank sections to boost scores and ensure eligibility; this academic fraud resulted in at least one player competing while ineligible for multiple seasons.[64] Additionally, Saunders and Vaughn, along with another staff member, provided impermissible transportation, housing, and meals to six prospects attending a summer session, totaling approximately $1,750 in benefits.[65] Impermissible off-campus contacts were also alleged in the recruitment of Leo Lewis, a 2009 signee, involving unauthorized interactions during his high school evaluation period.[66] The investigation further highlighted instances of excessive phone calls to high school coaches and prospects, exceeding NCAA limits on recruiting communications.[67] Nutt cooperated fully with the NCAA inquiry, self-reporting minor issues during his time at Ole Miss and emphasizing that he had no direct knowledge or involvement in the staff's misconduct.[68] He acknowledged institutional oversight shortcomings in monitoring assistant coaches but maintained that the violations were isolated to a few individuals and did not reflect his personal directives.[69] The January 2016 Notice of Allegations outlined 28 total violations across Ole Miss athletics, with 13 tied to football; four of these implicated former staff from Nutt's era, classifying them as Level I (major) infractions.[63] In response to the allegations, Ole Miss self-imposed sanctions in February 2017, including a one-year postseason ban for 2017, reductions of 15 scholarships over three years, and suspensions for involved assistants.[70] The NCAA escalated penalties in December 2017 following the Committee on Infractions hearing, adding vacated records for games with ineligible players from 2010–2013, further scholarship losses (18 over three years), a two-year postseason ban through 2018, and five years of probation; the vacated wins primarily affected Nutt's final seasons but also extended into his successor's early years.[71] Ole Miss appealed the penalties; in November 2018, the NCAA Infractions Appeals Committee upheld the vacated wins and most other sanctions. In February 2019, the university officially vacated 33 wins over six seasons, including six from Nutt's 2010 and 2011 seasons, adjusting his Ole Miss coaching record from 24–26 to 18–26.[45]Lawsuit against Ole Miss
On July 12, 2017, former Ole Miss head coach Houston Nutt filed a civil lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi against the University of Mississippi, the Ole Miss Athletics Foundation, and the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning.[69] The suit alleged defamation and breach of contract, specifically claiming that university officials, including then-head coach Hugh Freeze, athletic director Ross Bjork, and deputy athletic director Kyle Campbell, violated a non-disparagement clause in Nutt's 2011 severance agreement by orchestrating a "smear campaign" through off-the-record comments to media outlets.[72] Nutt accused the university of scapegoating him in connection with an ongoing NCAA investigation—triggered by recruiting allegations from his tenure—to shield Freeze and others, portraying Nutt as the primary culprit responsible for the program's violations.[69] He sought compensatory and punitive damages for lost wages, emotional distress, embarrassment, and attorney's fees.[69] The case faced an early setback when U.S. District Judge Henry T. Wingate dismissed it on August 9, 2017, citing lack of federal jurisdiction due to sovereign immunity protections for state entities.[73] In late August 2017, Nutt's attorney, Thomas Mars, proposed settling the dispute without monetary claims against the university, requesting instead a public apology and a $500,000 donation to establish a college sports integrity commission.[74] After the federal dismissal, Nutt refiled the lawsuit on October 11, 2017, in Lafayette County Circuit Court, streamlining the claims to focus on the core allegations while dropping demands for financial compensation from the university itself.[75] The parties reached a mutual settlement on October 16, 2017, leading to the dismissal of the refiled suit.[76] Under the agreement, Ole Miss issued a public apology, stating it regretted any reputational harm to Nutt caused by "inaccurate statements" and clarifying that he was not implicated in the NCAA's 2016 Notice of Allegations; the university admitted no liability.[77] Nutt expressed satisfaction with the resolution, noting in a joint statement that he was "pleased to put the lawsuit behind me" and felt vindicated after the ordeal damaged his post-coaching opportunities, including perceptions affecting his broadcasting career.[76] The settlement terms remained undisclosed beyond the apology.[78]Head coaching record
| Year | School | Overall | Conference | Bowl/playoffs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 | Murray State | 4–7 | 4–4 OVC | |
| 1994 | Murray State | 5–6 | 4–4 OVC | |
| 1995 | Murray State | 11–1 | 8–0 OVC | L NCAA Division I-AA First Round |
| 1996 | Murray State | 11–2 | 8–0 OVC | L NCAA Division I-AA Second Round |
| 1997 | Boise State | 4–7 | 3–2 Big West | |
| 1998 | Arkansas | 9–3 | 5–3 SEC | L Citrus Bowl |
| 1999 | Arkansas | 8–4 | 5–3 SEC | W Cotton Bowl |
| 2000 | Arkansas | 6–6 | 3–5 SEC | L Las Vegas Bowl |
| 2001 | Arkansas | 7–5 | 4–4 SEC | L Cotton Bowl |
| 2002 | Arkansas | 9–5 | 5–3 SEC | L Music City Bowl |
| 2003 | Arkansas | 9–4 | 5–3 SEC | W Independence Bowl |
| 2004 | Arkansas | 5–6 | 2–6 SEC | |
| 2005 | Arkansas | 4–7 | 2–6 SEC | |
| 2006 | Arkansas | 10–4 | 6–2 SEC | L Capital One Bowl |
| 2007 | Arkansas | 8–4 | 4–4 SEC | |
| 2008 | Ole Miss | 9–4 | 6–2 SEC | W Cotton Bowl |
| 2009 | Ole Miss | 9–4 | 5–3 SEC | W Cotton Bowl |
| 2010 | Ole Miss | 4–8 | 2–6 SEC | |
| 2011 | Ole Miss | 2–10 | 0–8 SEC |