Nevada promotes Norcross, hires Spady

The Nevada Wolf Pack football program announced the hiring of former Grambling State offensive coordinator James Spady and promoted assistant coach Cameron Norcross to offensive line coach and run game coordinator.

Spady will take over Norcross' former role as tight ends coach and also help with the offensive line. Norcross will take over the role vacated by Chris Klenakis, who left the program last month to join the staff at Arkansas.

"Chris Kleankis is a special guy and you just don't fill those shoes overnight," Pack head coach Chris Ault said. "We interviewed seven people for his position, including Cameron, and there was always a common denominator with everyone we talked to. No matter who we brought in here to replace Chris, they would have to sit down with Cameron and talk about what we've done here with the offensive line and the running game.

"It was clear that Cameron was the most qualified for the position."

Spady, a former player at UTEP (1984-88), played three seasons in the Arena League and began his coaching career at UTEP. He spent 11 seasons as a UTEP assistant, two years at South Carolina State and had been at Grambling for three years.

"We wanted to bring in someone who could contribute to our program," Ault said. "I just didn't want to hire a young guy with enthusiasm. James has been in the trenches. He brings a wealth of experience to Nevada."

Norcross, an Ely (White Pine High) native, had coached the Pack tight ends and assisted Klenakis on the offensive line for the past seven years.

"He will do an outstanding job," Ault said.