UNLV takes spin on ‘carousel’

The suggestions have been too numerous to count for UNLV interim athletic director Jerry Koloskie, who is collecting names of potential candidates for the Rebels' football coaching vacancy.

"I'd say it's considerable," Koloskie said Tuesday.

He isn't talking directly to coaches because the college and NFL seasons are in progress, but Koloskie is taking feelers on coaches' behalf.

Mike Sanford, who was fired Sunday, will continue to coach the Rebels until Dec. 5. UNLV's final game is Nov. 28 against San Diego State.

What makes the process tricky is the ongoing search for an athletic director. UNLV president Neal Smatresk will fill the AD position before the coaching job.

But the urgency to hire a coach -- because of the recruiting calendar and the number of available top candidates -- means both jobs could be filled at roughly the same time.

"My role, whether I'm the athletic director or not, is to get (the list) down to a few because the coaching carousel closes really quickly, or you miss an opportunity," Koloskie said. "I'm going to prepare the process, and we'll make the decision as soon as possible."

Most coaches aren't commenting publicly on what interest they might have in UNLV, but Pittsburgh Steelers running backs coach Kirby Wilson made it known he would like the position.

"I love the location," Wilson said. "I love the conference and the opportunity to build a program Las Vegas and Southern Nevada would be proud of. That's what excites coaches and excites me."

Also, Koloskie said UNLV's assistants are on year-to-year deals, but contractually the school must pay them for an extra 60 days, a total outlay between $300,000 and $400,000.

Contact reporter Mark Anderson at manderson@ reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2914.