The Los Angeles Post
U.S. World Business Lifestyle
Today: March 27, 2025
Today: March 27, 2025

Josh Pastner agrees to become UNLV's coach, AP sources say

UNLV Pastner Basketball
March 25, 2025

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Former Georgia Tech and Memphis coach Josh Pastner has agreed to take over UNLV's program, two people with knowledge of the hiring process told The Associated Press on Monday night.

The two people spoke to AP on condition of anonymity because no announcement has been made. One of the people labeled it a “done deal.”

Pastner takes over Kevin Kruger, who was fired March 15 after going 76-55 over four seasons and failing to reach the NCAA Tournament.

The Rebels, once one of college basketball most dominant programs that won the national championship in 1990, have fallen on hard times. They have not made the NCAA Tournament since 2013 and have not advanced to at least the Sweet 16 since 2007.

Pastner, 47, will be tasked trying to get the program back to that level.

He most recently coached at Georgia Tech, going 109-114 from 2016-23, ending with losing records each of his final two seasons. But Pastner did have some success, leading the Yellow Jackets to the Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament title and NCAA Tournament in 2021. He also was the ACC Coach of the Year in 2017 after going 21-16.

Most of his success came at Memphis, where Pastner was 167-73 from 2009-16. The Tigers made four NCAA Tournament appearances, won three Conference USA Tournament championships and captured two regular-season titles.

___

AP March Madness bracket: https://apnews.com/hub/ncaa-mens-bracket and coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/march-madness. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here.

Share This

Popular

Celebrity|Entertainment|Sports

Stephen A. Smith calls out the Trump admin's DEI purge

Stephen A. Smith calls out the Trump admin's DEI purge
Business|Entertainment|Fashion and Beauty|Lifestyle|Sports

How not finding the right winter apparel led one woman to make her own

How not finding the right winter apparel led one woman to make her own
Sports|US

NBA will not keep All-Star mini-tournament for 2026, is 'back to the drawing board'

NBA will not keep All-Star mini-tournament for 2026, is 'back to the drawing board'
Sports|US

Don't write off future Cinderellas just because it's an all-power conference Sweet 16, coaches say

Don't write off future Cinderellas just because it's an all-power conference Sweet 16, coaches say

Sports

Business|Europe|Sports

NBA and FIBA to take next steps toward adding a new European league, sides announce

NBA and FIBA to take next steps toward adding a new European league, sides announce
Lifestyle|Sports|US

Once a ride-share driver, J.C. Escarra takes an Uber to Yankee Stadium for his first game in MLB

Once a ride-share driver, J.C. Escarra takes an Uber to Yankee Stadium for his first game in MLB
Education|Political|Sports|US

Maine school officials won't comply with Trump administration agreement to bar transgender athletes

Maine school officials won't comply with Trump administration agreement to bar transgender athletes
Sports

Manager Carlos Mendoza among those eagerly anticipating Juan Soto's New York Mets debut

Manager Carlos Mendoza among those eagerly anticipating Juan Soto's New York Mets debut