Long-time Nevada football assistant coach Mike Bradeson dies

Mike Bradeson, a long-time Nevada assistant coach who had waged a battle with cancer in recent years, has died, according to the Wolf Pack athletic department.

Bradeson was an assistant coach for Nevada from 1986-91 and again from 2010-16. He also had stints as an assistant at Boise State (1981-85), Cal (1992-95) and UNLV (1996-2009). Bradeson most recently worked for Nevada in community relations, including handling the business for the athletic department’s Block N Society, which helps connect former Wolf Pack student-athletes back to their former teammates, teams and programs.

Bradeson played for Boise State, graduating with a degree in Business Administration in 1981. He was a member of the school's only national championship team, the 1980 squad that beat Eastern Kentucky, 31-29 in the Division I-AA title game. He was a standout junior-college quarterback at Contra Costa College before playing defensive back for the Broncos.

Bradeson was a stellar secondary coach who served as defensive coordinator for both Nevada and UNLV. He coached in 25 Battle for the Fremont Cannon games, the most of any person in the rivalry's history, including Chris Ault. Bradeson was 13-12 in those games, posting an 8-3 mark at Nevada and 5-9 mark at UNLV.

Bradeson coached some of Nevada's best players ever, including Brock Marion, a three-time NFL Pro Bowler and two-time Super Bowl champion, and Duke Williams, who played four years in the NFL. Bradeson played a large role in helping Williams, a Hug High graduate, get his off-the-field business in order. He was known for being a kind mentor off the field.

Coach Chris Ault released the following statement on Wednesday morning, "Brad was a unique coach and loving family man. As a coach, what separated him from most was his true compassion for the position players he coached. There were many time when his personality would conflict the regime demanded by the game of football. However, I always knew when he would speak, his compassion for his players would dominate his thoughts and actions to help make things right. I thought enough of Brad to hire him twice during the course of my coaching career because his work ethic and values always set him apart. I will miss Brad and always cherish my memories and time with him. Kathy and I send all our payers, thoughts and love to April and Drew, who Mike loved so much. God Bless."

Bradeson is survived by his wife, April, and son, Drew.