UNLV Shakes Up Basketball: Kevin Kruger Out as Head Coach After Four Seasons

In a significant shake-up for the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) men’s basketball program, Kevin Kruger has been relieved of his duties as head coach after four seasons. The announcement, made on Saturday, March 15, 2025, marks a pivotal moment for a program that has struggled to regain its former glory.

Kruger, who took the reins of the Runnin’ Rebels in 2021 after serving as an assistant coach under T.J. Otzelberger, leaves with a record of 75 wins and 55 losses. Despite his efforts, Kruger was unable to lead the team to any NCAA Tournament appearances during his tenure, a disappointing trend that has become all too familiar for UNLV fans. The last time the Runnin’ Rebels participated in the NCAA Tournament was in 2013, creating a significant drought for a program known for its rich basketball history.

The decision to part ways with Kruger follows a season in which the Runnin’ Rebels finished with an overall record of 18-15, placing sixth in the Mountain West Conference. The team’s performance was capped off by a quarterfinal elimination in the Mountain West Conference tournament at the hands of Utah State. Athletic director Erick Harper expressed gratitude for Kruger’s commitment to the program but emphasized the necessity for change to align with the aspirations of the university.

Kruger, a former player for UNLV, is particularly connected to the program’s legacy. He was instrumental in leading the team to its last Sweet 16 appearance as a point guard. His departure is not just a professional setback; it carries a personal weight, as he is the son of former UNLV head coach Lon Kruger. This familial connection adds another layer of complexity to the decision, as the program bids farewell to a coach who embodies its storied past.

The Runnin’ Rebels have now entered a critical phase, beginning the search for a new head coach. This marks the sixth head coach for the program since 2011, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by UNLV in establishing stability and success. The athletic department’s financial situation, reportedly over $26 million in debt, may complicate future coaching decisions and financial commitments.

During his tenure, Kruger experienced a mix of highs and lows. His best season came just last year when the team finished 21-13 and reached the quarterfinals of the NIT. However, the program’s trajectory has been uneven, with a particularly low point in the 2022-23 season, where the Runnin’ Rebels finished with a disappointing 7-11 conference record.

The decision to fire Kruger reflects the program’s desire for improvement and success in future seasons. Harper’s statement underscores this sentiment: “We appreciate Kevin’s commitment to our program and the hard work he put in over the past four years. However, we believe that a change is necessary to meet the aspirations of UNLV basketball.”

As the search for a new head coach begins, the Runnin’ Rebels face a critical juncture. The next hire will be tasked with revitalizing a program that has not only struggled on the court but also faces challenges off it. With the right leadership, UNLV hopes to return to its winning ways and once again become a contender in college basketball.

In conclusion, the departure of Kevin Kruger as head coach of UNLV marks the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter for the Runnin’ Rebels. The program’s commitment to improvement and success is evident, as it seeks a new leader to guide them back to prominence in the world of college basketball. As fans await the announcement of Kruger’s successor, the focus remains on restoring the legacy of a once-great program that has the potential to rise again.