The UNLV Runnin' Rebels represent the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, in the Mountain West Conference of the NCAA. The team plays its home games at the Thomas & Mack Center on campus. With a storied history, UNLV boasts the seventh-highest winning percentage in Division I history (.687) and has made significant marks in NCAA tournament history, boasting a 63.5% winning percentage. Known for its exciting style of play and legendary coaches, UNLV basketball has been a powerhouse since its rise in the late 1970s.
UNLV Men's Basketball Head Coach 2024
Kevin Michael Kruger, born May 1, 1983, is the head coach of the UNLV Runnin' Rebels basketball team. Kruger, a former player himself, brings a wealth of experience to the program. He played college basketball at Arizona State and UNLV before embarking on a professional playing career. Kruger transitioned into coaching, starting as an assistant at Northern Arizona, and later working under his father, Lon Kruger, at Oklahoma. In 2021, Kevin Kruger returned to UNLV as an assistant coach before being promoted to head coach in 2021.
Kevin Kruger Physical Attributes
Kevin Kruger, the esteemed head coach of UNLV Runnin' Rebels, is characterized by his dynamic presence and commitment to excellence on and off the basketball court.
| Attribute | Measurement |
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) |
| Weight | 185 lb (84 kg) |
| Age | 41 years old (as of November 2024) |
Kevin Kruger Age
Kevin Kruger was born on May 1, 1983, making him 41 years old, as of November 2024.
Kevin Kruger Height
Standing at 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 meters).
Kevin Kruger Weight
Kevin Kruger maintains a healthy weight of 185 pounds (84 kilograms).
UNLV Men’s Basketball Head Coach Year by Year
The UNLV Men's Basketball Head Coach Year by Year showcases the progression of leadership within the program, highlighting the individuals who have guided the team through its rich history.
| Tenure | Coach |
| 1969–1970 | Rolland Todd |
| 1970–1973 | John Bayer |
| 1973–1992 | Jerry Tarkanian |
| 1992–1994 | Rollie Massimino |
| 1994–1995 | Cleveland Edwards |
| 1994–1995 | Howie Landa |
| 1994–1995 | Tim Grgurich |
| 1995–2001 | Bill Bayno |
| 2000–2001 | Max Good |
| 2001–2004 | Charlie Spoonhour |
| 2003–2004 | Jay Spoonhour |
| 2004–2011 | Lon Kruger |
| 2011–2016 | Dave Rice |
| 2015–2016 | Todd Simon |
| 2016–2019 | Marvin Menzies |
| 2020–2021 | T. J. Otzelberger |
| 2021–present | Kevin Kruger |
UNLV Men's Basketball Coaching Staff 2024
| Name | Position |
| Kevin Kruger | Head Coach |
| Barret Peery | Assistant Coach |
| John Cooper | Assistant Coach |
| Jamaal Williams | Assistant Coach |
Assistant Coaches
Barret Peery
Barret Peery joined the UNLV coaching staff as an assistant coach in the 2022-23 season. With nearly three decades of coaching experience, Peery has previously served as head coach at Portland State and has held assistant coaching positions at various universities, including Texas Tech and Santa Clara.
John Cooper
John Cooper came on board as an assistant coach for the Runnin' Rebels in the 2022-23 season. His coaching journey spans nearly three decades, including stints as a head coach at Miami (Ohio) and Tennessee State, and assistant coaching roles at programs like Oklahoma State, South Carolina, and SMU.
Jamaal Williams
Jamaal Williams joined the UNLV coaching staff as an assistant coach in the 2022-23 season. With a background in coaching high school and AAU basketball, Williams brings a wealth of experience in player development and recruitment to the program.
UNLV Men's Basketball Support Staff 2024
The UNLV Men's Basketball Support Staff for 2024 is comprised of dedicated professionals who play crucial roles in the team's success. From academic support to athletic training, this staff ensures the holistic development and well-being of the players, contributing to the program's overall excellence.
| Name | Position |
| DeShawn Henry | Director of Basketball Operations |
| Will Saxon, Devin Matthews | Assistant Coaches |
| Larry Varnado Jr. | Head Strength & Conditioning Coach for Men's Basketball |
| Kalani Akana, MS, LAT, ATC | Associate Athletic Trainer (M. Basketball) |
| Noah Johanson | Academic Support Counselor |
| Jozee Dean | Executive Assistant to the Head Coach |
| Brady Parris, Chance Blackdeer | Graduate Assistant Manager |
FAQ's On UNLV Basketball Coach
A. Kevin Kruger is the head coach of UNLV Men's Basketball, as of 2024.
A. Kevin Kruger became the head coach in 2021.
A. Kevin Kruger has coached for three seasons at UNLV.
A. The assistant coaches for UNLV Men's Basketball in the 2024 season are Barret Peery, John Cooper, and Jamaal Williams.
A. The support staff for UNLV Men's Basketball in 2024 includes a Director of Basketball Operations, Assistant Coaches, a Sr. Director of Basketball Admin. & Alumni Relations, a Head Strength & Conditioning Coach for Men's Basketball, an Associate Athletic Trainer, an Academic Support Counselor, and Graduate Assistant Managers.
