Troubled Tim Chambers reportedly on way out as UNLV baseball coach

By Mark Anderson Las Vegas Review-Journal

9 years ago

UNLV head coach Tim Chambers is seen as the team plays against San Jose State during a game at Earl E. Wilson Stadium in Las Vegas on Saturday, April 12, 2014. UNLV won 2-1. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

UNLV head coach Tim Chambers motions to a player during their 7-1 defeat of Grand Canyon University Tuesday, March 17, 2015 at Earl E. Wilson Stadium. (Sam Morris/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

UNLV head coach Tim Chambers looks on during baseball practice at Earl E. Wilson Stadium, on the campus of UNLV in Las Vegas, Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2015.(Josh Holmberg/Las Vegas Review Journal)

UNLV baseball head coach Tim Chambers signals to his bullpen in their game against Pacific at Wilson Stadium in Las Vegas Monday, Feb. 23, 2015. UNLV won 11-1. (Erik Verduzco/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Tim Chambers’ days as UNLV’s baseball coach are coming to an end, according to an online report.

D1baseball.com first reported the story but did not name any sources. The story said Chambers plans to appeal through the university rather than resign.

When asked Wednesday about Chambers’ future, UNLV athletic director Tina Kunzer-Murphy issued the following statement in a text message: “Tim was placed on administrative leave on October 6, 2015! He remains on administrative leave at this time. I cannot comment further as this is a personnel matter.”

A source close to the program also said he couldn’t comment but didn’t deny a decision to force out Chambers had been made. The source could not be identified because he was not authorized to speak on the topic.

Chambers did not respond to an attempt to contact him.

His future with the Rebels has been cloudy since his arrest Oct. 6 on allegations of driving under the influence, not having insurance and for failure to maintain lanes.

Chambers already had been on indefinite medical leave since July after a series of issues with his back that required multiple surgeries. Associate head coach Stan Stolte has been the acting head coach in Chambers’ absence.

Back problems forced Chambers to miss most of last season. UNLV went 25-31 just one season removed from an NCAA regional appearance. Chambers was optimistic about the upcoming season, largely because of a promising recruiting class and the return of nearly the entire pitching staff.

In May, the athletic department announced the beginning of construction of a two-story, $2.75 million clubhouse, which is nearly completed. The building is seen as a boon to the program’s recruiting efforts, which have been jeopardized by the uncertainty over Chambers’ future.

Chambers has four years remaining on a contract that pays him $110,000 annually. He is 157-132 at UNLV.

Previously, he coached at College of Southern Nevada for 11 seasons, going 466-195-1. Chambers was Scenic West Athletic Conference Coach of the Year four times, leading the Coyotes to the 2003 national championship and 2010 junior college World Series.

Contact Mark Anderson at manderson@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2914. Follow him on Twitter: @markanderson65