UNLV hires new linebackers coach

UNLV filled the only vacancy on its football coaching staff when Robin Ross was hired today as the new linebackers coach.

He was a graduate assistant at Oregon State the past two seasons, but has a coaching history dating to 1977. Ross' stops includes stints as the defensive coordinator at Fresno State in 1996, Western Washington from 1994 to 1995, Iowa State from 1987 to 1993 and Cincinnati from 1984 to 1985. He was the head coach at Western Washington from 2006 to 2008 before the Division II school dropped football.

Ross replaces Brent Guy, who left to become Tulsa's defensive coordinator.

"Robin is a good man who I've known for years," UNLV coach Bobby Hauck said in a statement. "He brings both a wealth of experience in this game and a good background in our specific defensive scheme, which will allow him to get off to a fast start with spring ball starting next week."

The Rebels open spring practices Monday.