The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) has announced the hiring of Josh Pastner as the new head coach of its men’s basketball program. This decision marks an exciting new chapter for the Runnin’ Rebels, with Pastner set to lead the team into a new era of success.
Pastner, who boasts an impressive track record as a head coach in both the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and Conference USA/American Athletic Conference (AAC), brings over 14 years of experience at the collegiate level. His hiring follows two years as a television analyst, allowing him to step back, reflect, and hone his understanding of the game in preparation for his next coaching role.
A Storied Career
At 47 years old, Pastner has built a distinguished career with a 276-187 overall record. Over his tenure as a head coach, he led his teams to four conference tournament championships, two regular-season titles, and seven postseason appearances, including five NCAA Tournament bids and two NIT appearances. Pastner’s coaching accolades also include being named the 2017 ACC Coach of the Year and the 2013 C-USA Coach of the Year.
Commitment to Success
UNLV Director of Athletics, Erick Harper, shared his excitement about the hire, praising Pastner’s dedication, work ethic, and recruiting prowess. “We are thrilled to welcome Coach Pastner to the UNLV family as he takes the helm of the Runnin’ Rebels Basketball program. I have had the pleasure of knowing Josh for over 20 years, and I have seen first-hand his relentless recruiting efforts and exceptional leadership abilities,” Harper said. “Josh is not only committed to winning championships but also deeply engaged with the Las Vegas community. His focus on connecting with Runnin’ Rebel alumni and bringing back the program’s national prominence aligns perfectly with the values and vision we have for the future.”
A Dream Job for Pastner
Coach Pastner himself expressed his excitement, calling the opportunity to lead the Runnin’ Rebels a “dream job.” In his statement, Pastner emphasized the historic significance of the UNLV program, particularly its deep roots in college basketball, and its powerful connection to the Las Vegas community. “I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to UNLV Officer in Charge Dr. Chris Heavey and Athletics Director Erick Harper for this incredible opportunity. I am truly excited to be here and fully recognize the importance of UNLV in the landscape of college basketball,” Pastner said. “This program holds great value not just for the university but for the entire Las Vegas region. I’m eager to unite Rebel Nation with the goal of restoring this program to national prominence.”
Looking Forward
Pastner’s appointment signifies a renewed commitment to bringing the Runnin’ Rebels back to the NCAA Tournament and competing for championships. UNLV has a rich basketball history, with past successes that include winning the NCAA Championship in 1990 and consistently competing at a high level. Under Pastner’s leadership, the program is poised to revive its winning traditions and elevate itself back among the elite in college basketball.
