Pella attended Box Elder High School in Brigham City, Utah.
He then transferred to Utah State University, where he played as a fullback, offensive lineman, and kicker at various points.
He served in this capacity for four years before taking a position with the United States Navy as athletic director for the Yokosuka Naval Arsenal.
He returned to Utah State in 1972, where he worked as an assistant under Bruce Snyder until his promotion to head coach in 1983.
[1] Following his dismissal from his alma mater, Pella was hired by LaVell Edwards to work on the football staff at Brigham Young University (BYU).