Here’s what people are saying about Chris Beard as UNLV’s new head coach

UNLV’s lengthy national search for a new head coach has finally come to an end.

Former Arkansas Little Rock coach Chris Beard accepted an offer to become the Rebels’ coach, UNLV announced on Monday afternoon.

The news broke on Twitter Sunday night, which led many to google Beard’s name or patiently waited until UNLV confirmed the news.

UNLV officials were spurned by Cincinnati coach Mick Cronin last week to start a wild sequence of events. It became clear Sunday night that UNLV’s latest top candidate was Beard after New Mexico State coach Marvin Menzies pulled out of the race.

Here’s a look at Twitter reactions from Las Vegas and Little Rock:

Chris Beard selected to lead #UNLVmbb program pending approval by Board of Regents. https://t.co/SMt6ukKGSi pic.twitter.com/3N8VKDrtaY

— UNLV Basketball (@TheRunninRebels) March 28, 2016

Chris Beard has stepped down as @LittleRockMBB head coach. https://t.co/oakgZZ8chj

— Little Rock Trojans (@LRTrojans) March 28, 2016

Chris Beard will meet with the #UNLVmbb players tonight after he arrives from Little Rock. #RJnow

— Mark Anderson (@markanderson65) March 28, 2016

Welcome @CoachBeardLR to the Runnin' Rebel family. @TheRunninRebels

— Jon Sandler (@JonSandler1) March 28, 2016

Had a great lunch meeting with @CoachRyanMiller, great coach and even better person. @CoachBeardLR should make sure he is on staff. #UNLVmbb

— Ryan Mendenhall (@RyanMMendenhall) March 28, 2016

The equipment staff would love to welcome @CoachBeardLR to UNLV. Best of luck here in Vegas it's a great community #unlvmbb

— UNLV Equipment (@UNLVEquipment) March 28, 2016

Just noticed @CoachBeardLR has less than 2000 twitter followers. Guessing that number, and his handle, will change very quickly

— Adam Hill (@AdamHillLVRJ) March 28, 2016

Many wondered why Stacey Augmon wasn't hired at UNLV. AD Tina Kunzer-Murphy said this of hiring Chris Beard: #mwbb pic.twitter.com/LMe015Qkdb

— Geoff Grammer (@GeoffGrammer) March 28, 2016

Interested to see the Chris Beard era at UNLV. Some definite reasons to be optimistic & some real big question marks. Will be fun to cover.

— Geoff Grammer (@GeoffGrammer) March 28, 2016

Congrats to @CoachBeardLR. As @TheRunninRebels fan I wish him the best. Hope we have a long run of good teams.

— Al Bernstein (@AlBernstein) March 28, 2016

I am not an expert on Chris Beard's coaching. But he seems an appropriate hire 4 UNLV. Hope they retain Miller 4 his recruiting prowess

— Al Bernstein (@AlBernstein) March 28, 2016

Rothstein: I'm curious to see how Chris Beard handles all the non-basketball issues that come with coaching UNLV. He's sound as a coach.

— Bo Mattingly (@SportsTalkwBo) March 28, 2016

Appreciate @CoachBeardLR and all he did for #LittleRocksTeam! Wish him nothing but the best at UNLV! https://t.co/x2bMMxTBCq

— Leslie Rutledge (@AGRutledge) March 28, 2016

LR Trojans were right to Fear the Beard! Chris Beard leaving the Rock and rolling to Las Vegas baybee! Great job this year in LR. #4029News

— Mitch Roberts (@4029Mitch) March 28, 2016

It was a matter of time for Chris Beard to leave #LittleRock for greener pastures after this past season. #FunBelt https://t.co/zkma7bnUkY

— Chad Washington (@ChadDWashington) March 28, 2016

Congrats to @CoachBeardLR on his new job as the Head Coach at UNLV. All the best - there is no doubt LR will miss you. #LittleRocksTeam

— Mary Dunleavy (@Mary_Dunleavy) March 28, 2016

So now Chris Beard should be formally introduced at UNLV soon. https://t.co/jlrhh9K3r8

— Gary Parrish (@GaryParrishCBS) March 28, 2016

Hoping @CoachBeardLR about to change his Twitter handle to @CoachBeardLV. Great catch for #unlvmbb. Really didn't think they could land him!

— Dave Cokin (@davecokin) March 28, 2016

For the record, sources I trust tell me #ChrisBeard is highly capable & is an excellent coach. So let's #PackTheMack Ok, I'm done. #UNLVmbb

— Bernie Fratto (@BernieFratto) March 28, 2016

Since Dave Rice was hired at UNLV, Chris Beard has coached four teams and is about to take on his fifth new job. #mwbb

— Geoff Grammer (@GeoffGrammer) March 28, 2016

And here’s confirmation from the Las Vegas newspaper. Chris Beard will be UNLV’s next coach. https://t.co/WUZJKXURvE

— Gary Parrish (@GaryParrishCBS) March 28, 2016

So Chris Beard it is. Pretty crazy search. https://t.co/uzfcVmoKNC

— Dan Wolken (@DanWolken) March 28, 2016