Desiree Reed-Francois will be staying in house, as Kevin Kruger will be UNLV’s next head coach.
Kruger was an assistant under T.J. Otzelberger the last two seasons at UNLV. Kruger has never been a head coach before.
Prior to his time at UNLV, he was under his dad, Lon Kruger, at Oklahoma for three seasons. Kruger got his start in coaching as an assistant at Northern Arizona in 2014.
He also played at UNLV for one season as a graduate transfer from Arizona State. Kruger’s 2006-07 team was the last Rebel team to make it to the Sweet 16.
“I have proudly represented the UNLV men’s basketball program and to now have been chosen to lead it, I really am speechless. This is home for me and my family and I’m looking forward to continuing to work with the guys on our team. We will get after it and build on the foundation that has been set,” Kruger said.
It is an interesting hire from Desiree Reed-Francois, one that took less than four days.
“As we methodically went through the interview process speaking to many strong candidates, Kevin impressed us with his vision, the depth and sophistication of his plan, and his enthusiasm,” Reed-Francois said. “He cares about student-athletes and helping them achieve their hopes and dreams. He has demonstrated integrity and consistent leadership, and his love for UNLV and our Las Vegas community is without question. He is a Rebel, has helped the program develop a strong foundation and has been preparing his entire life for this. I am proud that Kevin and his family will be with us for years to come.”
Kruger will be introduced tomorrow at a 10 am press conference.
DRF is nuts. It just keeps getting worse and worse. “Helped the program develop a strong foundation?” She must be watching another team. “Has been preparing his entire life?” Yeah – what coach hasn’t.
Just Bulldoze the T&M and use the COX. Immediately get in the WAC. Alford will destroy us year after year.
I don’t know who made the above comment but he’s an idiot. Kevin Krueger comes from coaching royalty. He is a rebel who loves UNLV and Las Vegas and when he succeeds here he won’t leave for the next job. I think this is a home run hire and as a season ticket holder, I’m excited for Runnin’ Rebel basketball again
I like the hiring too. KK always was a player-coach on the basketball court and his destiny was to be a basketball coach. He has a past with the Rebels, he’s young, he has ties with the basketball community and a good example in his dad. I mean, there is some untapped potential there.
Just hope he will be the UNLV coach for many many years. It would