UNLV brings in Rice, Dunlap for basketball job interviews

Four candidates are officially in the running to be UNLV's next basketball coach. But the perception is that's a smoke screen, and when it clears only Dave Rice and Reggie Theus will be seriously considered.

The interview process with the two former Rebels players hit halftime Wednesday night.

Rice, Brigham Young's associate head coach, visited campus Wednesday and met for several hours with UNLV president Neal Smatresk, athletic director Jim Livengood and numerous members of the Board of Regents.

"I enjoyed the process," Rice said, "and I appreciate the opportunity to share my vision for the program."

Livengood said he hopes to name a replacement for Lon Kruger by the weekend. Kruger's seven-year run at UNLV ended Friday, when he signed a seven-year contract with Oklahoma worth $2.2 million per year.

Mike Dunlap and Ernie Kent are also finalists for the Rebels' job. Dunlap was in Las Vegas to interview Wednesday night, and Kent is scheduled to interview today.

Dunlap, an assistant at St. John's, was formerly an associate head coach at Arizona (2008-09) and Oregon (2009-10). Kent was Oregon's head coach for 13 seasons from 1997 to 2010.

Livengood said all four candidates are getting a shot at the position, but he would probably face fierce criticism from fans if the choice is neither Rice nor Theus, as strong support has surfaced for both.

Theus, an NBA assistant for the Minnesota Timberwolves, said he is flying in today to meet with Livengood and UNLV officials.

"It's a phenomenal opportunity," Theus said. "I'm just very happy to be interviewing for the position."

Theus established himself as one of UNLV's greatest players from 1975 to 1978, starring on the program's first Final Four team in 1977. Former coach Jerry Tarkanian has been outspoken while promoting Theus' candidacy.

Theus was head coach of the Sacramento Kings from 2007 to 2008. He was also head coach at New Mexico State, where he led the Aggies to the NCAA Tournament in 2007 and was an assistant to Rick Pitino at Louisville.

Rice was a reserve on the Rebels' 1990 NCAA championship team and 1991 Final Four team.

He has no head coaching experience, but he has been a college coach for 20 seasons. He recently interviewed for head coaching positions at Bradley and Fresno State.

Rice was an assistant at UNLV for 11 seasons. He was not retained by Kruger in 2004 and spent one season at Utah State. Rice joined the BYU staff in May 2005 and has coordinated the Cougars' offense and recruiting.

Livengood is wrapping up interviews today, and Rice is returning to Provo, Utah, to wait for UNLV's decision.

Contact reporter Matt Youmans at myoumans@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2907.