Rebels close in on new coach
UNLV athletic director Jim Livengood apparently took Monday night to sleep on which coach he should hire to lead the university's football program.
He interviewed Dennis Franchione, the second of two finalists, Monday after talking to Montana coach Bobby Hauck on Sunday.
Livengood said via text message Monday night he hadn't reached a decision, writing, "that's all I can say right now."
A decision could come today with a formal announcement probably Wednesday so it doesn't conflict with tonight's MAACO Bowl Las Vegas. The Board of Regents has called a special meeting for Wednesday to approve the contracts for Livengood, who was hired last week, and the new coach.
Franchione, who works for ESPN Radio, took longtime losers New Mexico and Texas Christian and turned them into winners. In 1997, he led New Mexico to its first bowl in 36 years. The following season, Franchione coached TCU to a 7-5 record, one year after the Horned Frogs went 1-10, and then followed that with a pair of Western Athletic Conference co-championships.
Hauck has had great success at Montana, leading the Grizzlies to an 80-17 record, including three trips to the Football Championship Subdivision title game. His most recent appearance was Friday, a 23-21 loss to Villanova to end the season 14-1.
Contact reporter Mark Anderson at manderson@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2914.
