Nebraska interim coach to be UNLV’s offensive coordinator

Nebraska interim coach Barney Cotton is preparing to lead the Cornhuskers into the Holiday Bowl against Southern California.

Soon after that Dec. 27 game at San Diego, Cotton will be preparing to help lead UNLV as the Rebels’ offensive coordinator, sources close to the program said.

He also could bring Huskers offensive line coach John Garrison, at least according to Football Scoop, which reported Monday both coaches were headed to the Rebels. It was unclear, however, whether any agreement with Garrison had been reached.

UNLV cannot confirm any potential hiring because new coach Tony Sanchez has not officially become the Rebels’ coach. He goes before the University of Nevada Board of Regents at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday for approval of his four-year contract that pays an annual salary of $500,000 plus potential bonuses.

Should the regents vote in favor of Sanchez, he then would be able to discuss any additions to his coaching staff if he chooses.

There also was no confirmation on Nebraska’s end on Cotton and Garrison leaving for UNLV, but the Lincoln (Neb.) Journal Star quoted Cotton saying last week he was hopeful of landing another position after this season.

“I’m going to be definitely looking for another opportunity, which I’m doing right now,” Cotton said. “And I’m optimistic that can happen.”

Sanchez promised a coaching staff that would surprise Rebels fans, and in Cotton he gets someone who was the associate head coach, run game coordinator and offensive line and tight ends coach for a Nebraska team that averages 248.2 yards rushing per game. Ameer Abdullah, who has rushed for 1,523 yards and 18 touchdowns, is one of the nation’s top running backs.

Cotton, 58, has been Nebraska’s associate head coach and offensive line coach since 2008, and last season added the run game coordinator and coaching tight ends to his responsibilities.

He previously was the offensive coordinator at Iowa State (2004-2006), Nebraska (2003) and New Mexico State (1997-2002).

Sanchez played wide receiver at New Mexico State in 1994 and 1995, but he has a more recent connection to Cotton and the Nebraska coaching staff. Cotton and Garrison helped recruit and sign offensive lineman Nick Gates earlier this year out of Bishop Gorman High School. Sanchez coached Gorman to the past six state titles.

Garrison, 34, assisted Cotton on the offensive line beginning in 2011, and he interned at Nebraska from 2008 to 2010.

Contact Mark Anderson at manderson@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2914. Follow him on Twitter: @markanderson65.