UNLV hired former Memphis and Georgia Tech head coach Josh Pastner to replace Kevin Kruger on Monday.
According to reports, Pastner is expected to sign a five-year contract with the Rebels.
Pastner’s career record is 109–114 (.489) in seven years at Memphis and seven years at Georgia Tech.
Here’s a press release from UNLV:
LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) – Josh Pastner has been hired as the new head coach of the UNLV men’s basketball program, Director of Athletics Erick Harper announced today.
Pastner will be formally introduced to the Las Vegas community on Wednesday, March 26 at 10 a.m. in Thomas & Mack Center’s Strip View Pavilion.
Pastner, who has extensive experience as a head coach in the Atlantic Coast Conference at Georgia Tech (2016-23) and Conference USA/American Athletic Conference at Memphis (2009-16), comes to UNLV after serving as a television analyst for the past two years.
As a collegiate head coach, Pastner, age 47, has an overall record of 276-187 over 14 seasons. He has led his teams to a total of four conference tournament championships, two conference regular-season championships and seven postseason appearances (five NCAA Tournaments, two NIT). He was named the 2017 ACC Coach of the Year and the 2013 C-USA Coach of the Year.
“We are thrilled to welcome Coach Pastner to the UNLV Family as he takes the helm of the Runnin’ Rebel Basketball program,” Harper said. “I have had the pleasure of knowing Josh for over 20 years, following his remarkable career from Arizona to Memphis and Georgia Tech. He is a fearless and relentless recruiter with success as a head coach, and is also an exceptional communicator, deeply committed to engaging with the Las Vegas community. Furthermore, Josh is committed to connecting with Runnin’ Rebel alumni, ensuring that everyone feels involved in the program’s success. We are confident that he will lead us to win championships and return the Runnin’ Rebels to the NCAA Tournament.”
“I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to UNLV Officer in Charge Dr. Chris Heavey and Athletics Director Erick Harper for this incredible opportunity,” Pastner said. “I am truly enthused about becoming the head coach of the Runnin’ Rebels. This has always been a dream job for me, and I fully recognize the significance of UNLV in the landscape of college basketball. The program holds great importance for both the Las Vegas community and the region, and I am eager to unite Rebel Nation with the goal of restoring the program to national prominence.”
