Local News

Actions

Coach Chris Beard taking job at Texas Tech

Posted at 11:24 AM, Apr 15, 2016
and last updated 2016-04-15 21:00:59-04

Basketball coach Chris Beard has announced that he is planning on taking the head coaching job at Texas Tech.

UNLV released the following statement:

“Coach Beard has informed me he intends to pursue the men’s basketball head coaching job at Texas Tech. This unprecedented move is extremely disappointing to the President and I, for our program and to our fans. Our search process allowed us to develop a deep pool of qualified candidates, from which we will select a great coach who really wants to be here and who will honor his commitments in leading the Runnin’ Rebels.”

Beard was hired by UNLV to lead the Runnin' Rebels basketball team just one week ago.

"I'm just annoyed, I'm upset, I'm sad. I feel like were wasting such an opportunity here," said Tyler Espinda, a UNLV basketball fan.  

According to Yahoo Sports, Beard has longstanding ties to the program at Texas Tech. He grew up in Texas and spent 10 years as an assistant coach with the Red Raiders. Beard's three daughters also live nearby.

The Texas Tech job will be his sixth job since the 2011-2012 season.

Now UNLV will go back to the drawing board. 

UNLV has had a tough time searching for a coach. They originally reached out to Cincinnati's Mick Cronin who backed out of the position. 

"From an athletes stand point, this is a little discouraging, but we come here for school first," said student-athlete Keith Whitely. "But whoever comes here next will help us win." 

Many fans also hoped interim coach Todd Simon would be next along with assistant coach Stacey Augmon. Both were not considered for the position. 

The big question, who will coach the Running Rebels next?