Corky Nelson (February 25, 1939 – November 17, 2014) was an American football player and coach. He is known for his coaching stint at the University of North Texas, but was more successful on the high school level.

Corky Nelson
Biographical details
Born(1939-02-25)February 25, 1939
San Antonio, Texas, U.S.
DiedNovember 17, 2014(2014-11-17) (aged 75)
Temple, Texas, U.S.
Playing career
1961–1963Texas State
Position(s)Center, linebacker
Coaching career (HC unless noted)
1967–1969Harlandale HS (TX)
1970North Texas State (DL/LB)
1971–1973John Tyler HS (TX)
1974–1981Baylor (DC)
1982–1990North Texas State / North Texas
1991–1996Seguin HS (TX)
1997–1998Klein Forest HS (TX) (assistant)
1999–2003Mary Hardin–Baylor (assistant)
Administrative career (AD unless noted)
1989–1990North Texas
Head coaching record
Overall48–52–1 (college)
Tournaments0–3 (NCAA D-I-AA playoffs)
Accomplishments and honors
Championships
1 Southland (1983)

Nelson was an all-conference center and linebacker at Texas State University–San Marcos, where he was captain of the 1963 team that went undefeated. He began coaching at the high school level soon after his graduation, first at Alamo Heights High School as an assistant, then at Harlandale High School as head coach. He briefly got into the collegiate ranks as defensive line and linebacker coach at the University of North Texas, but left after one season.

In 1971, Nelson became head coach at John Tyler High School in Tyler, Texas. In 1973, he guided a Lions team that featured Earl Campbell to a perfect 15–0 season as well as the state championship in the largest classification. Nelson then became defensive coordinator under coach Grant Teaff at Baylor University. In 1982, he was named head coach at North Texas, succeeding Bob Tyler. He was also named the school's athletic director in 1989. Following the 1990 season, his contract was not renewed.[1]

Nelson died on November 17, 2014.[2]

Head coaching record

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College

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Year Team Overall Conference Standing Bowl/playoffs
North Texas State / North Texas Eagles (Southland Conference) (1982–1990)
1982 North Texas State 2–9 0–0 NA
1983 North Texas State 8–4 5–1 T–1st L NCAA Division I-AA Quarterfinal
1984 North Texas State 2–9 1–5 T–6th
1985 North Texas State 4–6–1 2–3–1 T–5th
1986 North Texas State 6–4 3–2 T–2nd
1987 North Texas State 7–5 5–1 T–2nd L NCAA Division I-AA First Round
1988 North Texas 8–4 4–2 3rd L NCAA Division I-AA First Round
1989 North Texas 5–6 2–4 T–5th
1990 North Texas 6–5 2–4 6th
North Texas State / North Texas: 48–52–1 24–20–1
Total: 48–52–1

References

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  1. ^ "Corky Nelson, North Texas Coach/Athletic Director, Won't Be Rehired", Seattle Times, November 20, 1990.
  2. ^ "Corky Nelson Obituary (2014) San Antonio Express-News". Legacy.com.