Nelson moved on to play at Idaho State in 1983.

In 2009 he was an assistant coach at Idaho State.

He coached there for a season before taking a job at Idaho State.

He became the defensive coordinator for Idaho State in 1976.

Idaho State finished the regular season ranked No. 21 in the nation.

From 1971-76, he served as the director of alumni relations at Idaho State.

In 1999, he served as wide receivers coach at Idaho State.

Idaho State ranked ninth nationally in total offense that year.

He left Idaho State without a degree in 1985.

During the 1981 season, Idaho State outscored its opponents 422-172.