BasketballHiringMountain West

Kevin Kruger promoted to head coach at UNLV

Just a few days after losing head coach T.J. Otzelberger to Iowa State, UNLV announced on Sunday that it was promoting assistant coach Kevin Kruger to be his replacement. Kruger is the son of former Rebels (and current Oklahoma) head coach Lon Kruger and played for his father at UNLV before embarking on a pro career.

“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,” AD Desiree 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.”

Kruger has been coaching at the collegiate level since 2014 and had been back at UNLV on Otzelberger‘s staff since 2019 after spending three seasons working with his dad and the Sooners. This will be his first head coaching opportunity.

“I have proudly represented the UNLV men’s basketball program and to now have been chosen to lead it, I really am speechless,” Kruger said. “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.”

 

credit to UNLV Athletics for the image