RENO, Nev. - The Brian Polian era of Wolf Pack football unofficially began on Thursday.

Polian arrived on campus, met with his staff, then was introduced to a small group of media and university boosters.

"It's an honor to be recommended to become the head coach here at Nevada," Polian said. "I'm humbled by the opportunity; very excited about it. Excited to hit the ground running."

Polian has agreed to a five-year contract, with a base pay of $475,000 per year plus incentives.

"We are so excited to come here and put down some roots. We're anxious to get settled down into a community and become part of that community. Anxious to raise our children here for a good long while."

Polian has a wife and two young children.

His recommendation will be made to the Board of Regents tomorrow in Las Vegas, where the contract is expected to be approved.

He's a long-time assistant coach, with stops in Buffalo, Central Florida, Stanford and Notre Dame. He spent last season as the Special Teams and Tight Ends coach at Texas A&M, helping the Aggies go 11-2 with a win in the Cotton Bowl. This will be his first head coaching position.

"“I couldn't’t have picked a better opportunity to have my first chance to lead a program and put a staff together, to lead young men and represent a community. There’s not a better opportunity than this one. We’re so thankful for the opportunity to be here and plan on making the most of it.”

He will be officially introduced at a press conference on Friday at Legacy Hall.