Hunt to replace Kruger heats up

In his search for a basketball coach, UNLV athletic director Jim Livengood said he is working around the clock and considering several candidates. His conclusion could be coming soon.

The Rebels' replacement for Lon Kruger, who left Friday for Oklahoma, might be announced as soon as Tuesday. Livengood said he does not have a firm timetable, but sources indicate a Wednesday or Thursday news conference is likely.

Former UNLV players Dave Rice and Reggie Theus are each receiving strong community support. It appears the leading candidate is Rice, who met with Livengood over the weekend in Houston at the Final Four.

More than 48 hours after Kruger's sudden departure, Theus was waiting for a call from Livengood.

"We haven't talked at all," Theus said Sunday night. "I'm hoping to hear from him."

According to a source, former Indiana and Texas Tech coach Bob Knight, who retired in February 2008 and is working as an analyst for ESPN, has expressed interest in the UNLV vacancy.

Rice, Brigham Young's associate head coach, was a reserve on the Rebels' 1990 NCAA championship team and spent 11 seasons as an assistant at UNLV. He was not retained in 2004, when Kruger was hired and brought in his own staff.

Former coach Jerry Tarkanian and some influential boosters are pushing for Theus, a star for the Rebels from 1975 to 1978, leading them to their first Final Four in 1977.

Theus, an assistant for the Minnesota Timberwolves, was an NBA head coach for the Sacramento Kings from 2007-08. He also has college head coaching experience at New Mexico State.

Larry Johnson, arguably the greatest player in UNLV history, has no coaching experience but said Saturday he wants to be considered a candidate.

Brad Rothermel, special adviser to the athletic director, said the new coach could be forced to deal with a projected 20 percent reduction in the overall operational budget for basketball this year.

"We don't know that for sure. There's nothing definitive," Rothermel said. "We also have time to raise money."

Rothermel played a major role in luring Kruger to Las Vegas seven years ago, after Kruger initially rejected talks with former athletic director Mike Hamrick. This decision, Rothermel said, will be made by Livengood with UNLV president Neal Smatresk's approval.

"I'm sure Jim will want to do it quickly," Rothermel said.

Kruger compiled a 161-71 record and reached the NCAA Tournament four times in his last five years. He won two Mountain West Conference tournament championships but no league regular-season titles.

"I'll miss Lon," Rothermel said. "He did a fine job. I know a lot of people are upset we didn't get to a Final Four, but a lot of schools never get to the Final Four."

Contact reporter Matt Youmans at myoumans@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2907.