As the search for a candidate to fill the UNLV head coaching vacancy dragged on into late Sunday night, it was finally reported that Chris Beard of Arkansas-Little Rock appeared to be the new leading candidate to replace Dave Rice.
Once Monday morning arrived, the two sides had apparently reached an agreement.
Chris Beard has agreed in principle to become the next #UNLVmbb coach. #RJnow
— Mark Anderson (@markanderson65) March 28, 2016
Chris Beard did a great job with UALR..If he brings that same work ethic & style of play to the desert, UNLV is in great shape
— Dain Ervin (@BIReports) March 28, 2016
One year ago Chris Beard was coaching DII. UALR fires coach, hires Beard who goes 30-5 & beats Purdue in Tourny. Gets UNLV job. Strange biz.
— Marc Isenberg (@marcisenberg) March 28, 2016
Beard and the Trojans dominated the Sun Belt Conference this season, parlaying that into a favorable auto-bid seed and a date with Purdue. One win later, it looks like the coaching profession found their next rising star.
However, not everyone is thrilled with the hire.
@jeffborzello I can tell you this, I don’t know 1 HS or AAU coach in California that ever has met this guy. Very weird hire & not a good fit
— Dinos Trigonis (@trigonis30) March 28, 2016
@CoachLWilson …..how can I personally vouch for him over a Steve Fisher, Craig Neal, Eric Mussellman that I’ve know for yrs?
— Dinos Trigonis (@trigonis30) March 28, 2016
Indeed, developing connections in Southern California will be paramount to Beard’s success.
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