UNLV's Coach

[bulldog]

ESPN was just talking about UNLV's coach getting sick. I only caught the tail end of the segment but it sounded like he wouldn't be coaching tonight and that his son would be taking his place.

I like the Rebels tonight but does not having coach their tonight change anybody's mind about going with them tonight? I saw that EZ and Gold Vike like the Rebels too.

[wayne1218]

UNLV coach resigns, citing health reasons

LAS VEGAS -- UNLV coach Charlie Spoonhour resigned Tuesday, citing health reasons.

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"I am physically unable to do this right now," Spoonhour, 64, said in a statement. "Because of my health it is in my best interest to step away. It has nothing to do with basketball or anything surrounding the program."

He was unavailable for interviews and gave no other details.

The Runnin' Rebels (12-9) have lost three straight games, including a 94-60 rout at Missouri on Sunday.

Jay Spoonhour, an assistant on his father's staff at UNLV for the past three seasons, will serve as the interim head coach starting with Tuesday night's home game against San Diego State.

A search for a new head coach will begin immediately, athletic department officials said.

Spoonhour is the second coach to resign for health reasons in the last month. On Jan. 28, Rick Majerus took a leave of absence at Utah, citing heart problems. He later said he would not return to Utah.

Spoonhour, who was hired March 29, 2001, leaves UNLV with a 54-31 record. He led the team to NIT appearances in 2002 and 2003.

Spoonhour ended a two-year retirement to become UNLV's 12th head coach. He was head coach at Saint Louis from 1992-1999 and coached Southwest Missouri State from 1983-1992. In 19 years as a Division I head coach, he compiled a career record of 373-202. His teams made it to the postseason 13 times, including eight trips to the NCAA tournament.

UNLV athletic director Mike Hamrick said Spoonhour leaves a solid program behind him.

"He added a lot of stability to the program the last three years and we wish him nothing but the best in the future and hope he can take care of these health issues quickly," Hamrick said.