Wolf Pack running back James Butler was in his friend's car headed to Dick’s Sporting Goods at Meadowood Mall when he received a call from Matt Mumme, who had just been hired as Nevada's offensive coordinator.
Mumme had heard through the grapevine that Butler wasn’t thrilled with the team’s new offensive direction following its coaching change from Brian Polian to Jay Norvell. That grapevine was accurate. Butler, who was entering his senior season, briefly entertained the thought of transfer for his final college campaign.
Butler loved playing at Nevada and had a deep bond with his teammates, but he was a running back and the team was switching to the pass-happy Air Raid.