Former Rebels Theus, Rice told to stand by for coach decision

On the eve of UNLV's version of "The Decision," Reggie Theus coached an NBA game in Denver and Dave Rice watched TV with his family at their home in Provo, Utah.

Barring a delay or an unforeseen turn of events, one of them will be making travel plans for Las Vegas today after being named the Rebels' basketball coach.

UNLV athletic director Jim Livengood has been spearheading the coaching search since April 1, when Lon Kruger left after seven seasons for a seven-year contract at Oklahoma.

Livengood described the search process as "exhaustive and thorough" after naming four finalists Tuesday. At this stage, everyone involved is exhausted.

"An announcement will be made in due time," UNLV president Neal Smatresk said Saturday night.

Livengood wrapped up interviews Thursday and issued a statement Friday saying the "hope is to be able to make a decision" today and have a news conference Monday.

Rice and Theus each said Livengood called Friday to deliver the same message. The other finalists -- St. John's assistant Mike Dunlap and former Oregon coach Ernie Kent -- are considered long shots.

If Livengood does not hire one of the two candidates with UNLV ties, he might need to employ a personal security force, and that jesting theory is based solely on the overwhelming public support for Theus.

One of the greatest players in UNLV history, Theus was a leading star on the Rebels' first Final Four team in 1977. He's a fan favorite, and high-profile boosters have lobbied on his behalf.

"Reggie's got some strong people pulling for him," said former UNLV coach Jerry Tarkanian, who has stated his preference for Theus.

"All I know is I've done everything I can do," Theus said Saturday, adding he thought his Thursday interview was a success.

Theus, an assistant for the Minnesota Timberwolves, was head coach of the Sacramento Kings in 2007 and 2008 and previously was head coach at New Mexico State.

The Theus promoters seem to view him as a coach with a higher upside, one capable of recruiting NBA-type talent and turning UNLV into the Kentucky of the West Coast.

Rice, Brigham Young's associate head coach, is perceived as a low-key, steady leader who mirrors Kruger much more than John Calipari.

"He's a really sharp guy and a good person," Tarkanian said of Rice, a reserve on the Rebels' 1990 NCAA championship team and 1991 Final Four team.

Rice spent 11 seasons as an assistant at UNLV and worked under Tarkanian and coaches Tim Grgurich, Bill Bayno and Charlie Spoonhour.

The Rebels' coaching vacancy attracted interest from big names, from coaching legends Larry Brown and Bob Knight to Larry Johnson, arguably UNLV's greatest player.

Tarkanian said Johnson was "hurt" that he did not receive a call from Livengood or school officials last week.

Livengood did not seriously consider Knight. Smatresk shot down reports from SI.com and ESPN on Saturday that Brown was a legitimate candidate.

Brown, 70, the only coach to win an NCAA and NBA championship, was fired as coach of the Charlotte Bobcats in December.

"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."

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