Chambers gets UNLV job, targets high goals

In recent years, Tim Chambers watched UNLV baseball trade success for mediocrity, and he developed an opinion on where the program belongs nationally.

"At the top with the big shots," he said.

It's now his job to make that happen. Chambers was introduced as the Rebels' coach Friday at the Thomas & Mack Center, and he quickly set high standards for himself.

"You look at the other programs around the country, and my question is, 'Why not? Why can't we win here?' " he said. "We're going to win, and I think we're going to win a lot faster than people think."

Chambers, 45, took the College of Southern Nevada to last week's Junior College World Series. He established the CSN program in Henderson 11 years ago and won the juco national championship in 2003. He previously coached Bishop Gorman High from 1991 to 1999.

UNLV athletic director Jim Livengood called Chambers' coaching accomplishments "almost a miracle" and said he got the only face-to-face interview of the 106 applicants for the position.

"Tim met everything that I thought we needed right now," Livengood said. "No question, he's the right choice. We only brought one person in, but we interviewed a lot of people."

Pending approval by the Board of Regents, Chambers will get a three-year contract with a base salary of $110,000.

Chambers replaces Buddy Gouldsmith, who was fired May 18 after seven years. Gouldsmith guided the Rebels to Mountain West Conference titles and NCAA Tournament appearances in 2004 and 2005. UNLV finished 29-29 this season to stop a string of four consecutive losing seasons.

CSN (52-16) was thrust into the national media spotlight because of freshman slugger Bryce Harper, who was the No. 1 overall pick Monday in the major league draft.

"It has been a whirlwind for myself and my family. It's been a hard decision," Chambers said. "I've had all the emotions the last couple days -- sad, crying, searching what to do. When you have your hands on everything to do with building a program from the ground up, it becomes a part of you.

"The people (at CSN) treated me really well. With that said, it's time to go. It's time to try a new venture. It intrigues me to be able to coach at three different levels in the same town."

Green Valley High coach Nick Garritano, Las Vegas High's Sam Thomas and Gorman's Chris Sheff are reportedly candidates to replace Chambers at CSN.

UNLV senior associate athletic director Jerry Koloskie said other finalists for the Rebels' job included former Tennessee coach Rod Delmonico, former UNLV player and assistant coach Reed Peters of San Joaquin (Calif.) Delta College and Texas Christian assistant Randy Mazey.

Livengood said about eight candidates were interviewed by phone, and he acknowledged strong local support for Chambers.

Gouldsmith often said the Rebels were hampered by a lack of resources during his tenure, most of which was spent under former athletic director Mike Hamrick. Livengood said Chambers -- and other coaches -- will be allowed to do program-specific fundraising.

"That's not a new model for me, because we've always done it that way. But that's a new model for here," said Livengood, who came to UNLV in December after 16 years at Arizona.

Chambers said he talked with Livengood and Koloskie about "what needs to happen to win here," and getting proper resources are his priority because he needs funds to recruit and hire quality assistants.

Livengood said he's committed to "excellence in baseball," and Chambers credited him for that attitude.

"Jim's a go-getter. That guy has got some energy, and there's a reason he's here," Chambers said. "He's going to leave a legacy, in my opinion, as the guy who turned everything around."

Chambers was joined at the news conference by his wife, Kimberlie, and daughters McKenzie, 16, and Chase, 3.

Also present were two of his top hitters at CSN, sophomores Marvin Campbell and Trevor Kirk. Campbell (Las Vegas High) and Kirk (Silverado) will probably be in the UNLV lineup next season as Chambers attempts to build with local talent.

"I anticipate several guys coming with me," Chambers said. "It's really, really important to have local players. We've got to get the best players in town here."

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