UNLV Basketball Coach Wanted: Athletics Director Erick Harper Fires Kevin Kruger
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By Alan Snel, LVSportsBiz.com Publisher-Writer
LAS VEGAS, Nevada — UNLV Athletics Director Erick Harper has fired UNLV Runnin’ Rebels basketball coach Kevin Kruger.
The news of Kruger’s firing comes two after his undermanned UNLV squad lost, 70-58, to Utah State in the Mountain West tournament’s quarterfinals Thursday at Thomas & Mack Center.
Kruger, a former UNLV player and the son of former UNLV basketball coach Lon Kruger, worked four years as head coach of the Runnin’ Rebels and was hired by former UNLV Athletic Director Desiree Reed-Francois March 21, 2021. Kruger succeeded former UNLV basketball coach T.J. Otzelberger, who left to coach Iowa State.
Kruger failed to guide UNLV into the NCAA national basketball tournament during his four years. UNLV’s record after Thursday’s loss: 18 wins and 15 losses.
Kruger’s previous wins and losses as coach: 18-14 in 2022, 19-13 in 2023 and 21-13 in 2024. Total for four seasons: 76 wins and 55 losses, or winning 58 percent of his games.
Much has been written and discussed about Kruger’s pleasant personality and being a terrific guy. But besides making no national basketball tournament appearances, Kruger’s teams did not bring big crowds to spacious Thomas and Mack Center during a time in Las Vegas when sports are flourishing with sellouts at NFL Raiders, NHL Golden Knights and WNBA Aces games. There are other pro sports to compete with such as teams in women’s volleyball, indoor lacrosse, soccer, indoor football and minor league baseball and hockey.
Only three weeks ago, LVSportsBiz.com published a story on whether UNLV would let Kruger go if he could not get the Runnin’ Rebels into March Madness’ Big Dance. The best the 41-year-old Kruger could do was lead UNLV to the NIT a season ago.
Harper is no stranger to hiring at UNLV. Only three months ago Harper hired new football coach Dan Mullen to replace Barry Odom, who left to coach Purdue’s football team.
The UNLV press release quoted Harper: “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.”
Harper will not be available to comment until he announces a new coach.
