Corky Nelson (February 25, 1939 – November 17, 2014) was an American football player and coach.

He is known for his coaching stint at the University of North Texas, but was more successful on the high school level.

Nelson was an all-conference center and linebacker at Texas State University–San Marcos, where he was captain of the 1963 team that went undefeated.

He briefly got into the collegiate ranks as defensive line and linebacker coach at the University of North Texas, but left after one season.

In 1973, he guided a Lions team that featured Earl Campbell to a perfect 15–0 season as well as the state championship in the largest classification.