UNLV’s Marvin Menzies linked to Louisville job

UNLV basketball coach Marvin Menzies was linked to the potential opening at Louisville on Thursday in a highly speculative story about potential candidates, but the chances of him leaving for the Cardinals is remote.

The Louisville Courier-Journal reported Thursday that former Indiana coach Tom Crean or Louisville assistant David Padgett could become the school’s interim coach.

Cardinals coach Rick Pitino and athletic director Tom Jurich were placed on administrative leave Wednesday in the wake of an FBI investigation into recruiting practices. Pitino’s attorney said he was “effectively fired,” according to the Courier-Journal.

Louisville is pursuing an interim coach, and the person could potentially take over on a full-time basis.

The SB Nation website midmajormadness.com mentioned Menzies as a possible candidate for the job. The site did not offer reporting to show Louisville is interested in Menzies or whether he would consider leaving UNLV to take over the Cardinals.

But Menzies’ name being associated with the opening isn’t a surprise. He was an assistant under Pitino from 2005 to 2007 before becoming the head coach at New Mexico State.

Menzies is heading into his second season at UNLV, which opens practices Saturday morning at Mendenhall Center. Hopes are high for the Rebels, who had the Mountain West’s top-rated recruiting class, to greatly improve on their 11-21 record last season.

Menzies didn’t respond to a request for comment.

Contact Mark Anderson at manderson@reviewjournal.com. Follow @markanderson65 on Twitter.