UNLV president: Brown not in running for Rebels’ job

UNLV president Neal Smatresk shot down reports today that Larry Brown is a candidate to be the Rebels' basketball coach.

Brown, the only coach to win an NCAA and NBA championship, was fired as coach of the Charlotte Bobcats in December after a 9-19 start this season.

SI.com and ESPN are reporting Brown has been in contact with UNLV athletic director Jim Livengood, who announced four finalists for the position Tuesday.

Former Rebels players Dave Rice and Reggie Theus are considered the leading candidates. Smatresk, who is talking daily with Livengood, dismissed Brown as a candidate.

"That's the first I've heard of it," Smatresk said. "We just interviewed four people and I'm unaware that any names have been added to the list."

Smatresk said a decision on the hire is coming Sunday.

St. John's assistant Mike Dunlap and former Oregon coach Ernie Kent were the other finalists to interview this week.

Brown, 70, has not coached in college since he led Kansas to the national championship in 1988.