Nutt is one of college football’s most accomplished and respected leaders, earning SEC Coach of the Year honors three times, Ohio Valley Coach of the Year twice, and the Eddie Robinson National 1-AA Coach of the Year Award, along with being named the 2009 FCA Coach of the Year. Throughout his career, he led teams to remarkable success, capturing three SEC Western Division titles and guiding his programs to bowl games 10 times in 14 seasons competing in the SEC, including appearances in five Cotton Bowls as well as the Capital One, Citrus, Independence, Music City, and Las Vegas Bowls.
Nutt’s leadership on the field produced exceptional results. His teams posted an impressive 11–2 record in overtime games, including contests that extended to five, six, and even seven overtimes. He is also one of only four coaches in history to win the SEC Coach of the Year Award with multiple teams. During his tenure at Arkansas, his teams led the SEC in rushing in 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006, and 2007, highlighted by a 10-game winning streak in 2006. Over the course of his career, he mentored 20 All-Americans, 85 All-SEC selections, and 175 SEC Academic Honor Roll honorees, and he ranks as the second all-time winningest coach in Arkansas football history, behind Frank Broyles.
His outstanding career has earned him induction into the Cotton Bowl Hall of Fame, Murray State Hall of Fame, and the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame.
Chamber Executive Director Christy Burns expressed enthusiasm about this year’s keynote speaker, stating, “We are honored to welcome Coach Houston Nutt as our keynote speaker. His experience, leadership insights, and inspiring stories will make this year’s banquet both memorable and motivating for our business and community leaders.”
The annual Chamber Banquet celebrates the achievements of the local business community and recognizes outstanding individuals and organizations who make a difference in Hope and Hempstead County. The evening will include dinner, networking opportunities, special recognitions, and the keynote address.
The Hope-Hempstead County Chamber of Commerce is currently accepting sponsorships and ticket reservations for this year’s annual meeting and banquet.
For more information or to get involved, please contact the Hope-Hempstead County Chamber of Commerce at (870) 777-3640 or hopechamberdirector@gmail.com.