LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — On Saturday, the UNLV Director of Athletics Erick Harper announced the firing of UNLV head coach of the men's basketball program Kevin Kruger after serving four seasons in the position.
WATCH: Channel 13 reports on the latest on UNLV Runnin' Rebels firing
Kruger had a winning record during his tenure but never led the Runnin' Rebels to the NCAA tournament. This season, UNLV finished 18-15, falling in the Mountain West Quarterfinals to Utah State. After that game, Kruegr reflected on what would be his final season.
"It was a learning experience in a lot of ways... It’s something that will be in my memory bank. Just like any coach after any game, practice or situation, we’re going to pick apart mentally what we would do different next time. But of course, there’s going to be things you remember that worked well. It was just a fun group to be around and fight with, so there’s a little bit of a ‘what if,'" said Krueger.
In a statement, Athletic Director Erick Harper acknowledges notable achievements and challenges during Kruger's Tenure.
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Coach Kruger for his hard work, commitment, and dedication over the past four years as head coach of the Runnin’ Rebels. While there have been notable achievements during his tenure, there have also been challenges. We have significant aspirations for our men’s basketball program, both within the Mountain West and on a national level, with the goal of competing in the NCAA Tournament. Our expectation is to contend for and win championships. After evaluating the program as a whole, I believe a change is necessary to achieve these goals.”
UNLV has now had seven head coaches since 2011. A new search for a new head coach for the UNLV men's basketball program has already started.
