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Montana State Bobcats' Jeff Choate leaving for Texas

Jeff Choate announces Montana State Bobcats’ early football signings
Posted at 7:41 PM, Jan 22, 2021
and last updated 2021-01-22 21:45:13-05

BOZEMAN -- Montana State will be looking for a hew head football coach after all.

Jeff Choate, who was hired as the Bobcats' head coach in December of 2015, will join the coaching staff at the University of Texas as the linebackers coach. Texas recently hired Steve Sarkisian as its head coach. Sarkisian announced the hirings of nine assistant coaches early Friday, including defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski, who previously coached with Choate when both were assistants at Washington.

In March of 2020, Montana State signed Choate to a new contract through 2024. That contract includes a $250,000 buyout if Choate terminates the agreement with more than 12 months remaining on the contract.

Choate was recently a finalist to become the head coach at Boise State, but the Broncos ultimately hired former Oregon defensive coordinator Andy Avalos.

Choate has led the Bobcats to a 28-22 record in his four years as their head coach, leading the team to a better overall record each season. In 2019 Montana State made it to semifinal round of the FCS Playoffs before losing to powerhouse North Dakota State 42-14.