Choosing the "best fit" for UNLV's basketball head coach depends on what the program needs most right now—whether it’s rebuilding stability, recruiting prowess, proven success, or a connection to the region. Let’s break down each candidate based on their track records and how they align with UNLV’s current situation as of February 22, 2025.
Mark Turgeon has a solid resume, with over 20 years of head coaching experience at Wichita State, Texas A&M, and Maryland. He’s taken teams to the NCAA Tournament 11 times, including a Sweet 16 run with Maryland in 2016. His overall record is 476-322 (.596), showing consistency, but he stepped away from coaching in 2021 after a rocky start at Maryland. UNLV could benefit from his experience and ability to compete in tough conferences, but his time away raises questions about rustiness or hunger to return to a program that’s been inconsistent.
Craig Smith is a rising star, currently at Utah after stints at Utah State and South Dakota State. He’s got a 258-134 (.658) record and has turned programs around fast—like taking Utah State from a projected ninth-place finish to a Mountain West title in 2019. He’s familiar with the region, knows how to win in the Mountain West, and has three NCAA appearances. His energy and recruiting ability could spark UNLV, though luring him from a stable Utah gig might take serious effort.
Rodney Terry, now at Texas, stepped up big after Chris Beard’s departure in 2022-23, leading the Longhorns to the Elite Eight. His head coaching record (211-197, .517) spans Fresno State and UTEP, with three NCAA trips. He’s gritty, knows the West, and can handle pressure, but his middling win percentage suggests he’s not a slam-dunk program-changer. UNLV might get a steady hand, but not necessarily a transformative one.
Mike Brown is an intriguing wildcard—not the NBA coach, but likely the lesser-known candidate tied to this context. Without a clear college hoops profile matching the others, I’ll assume this is a mix-up or a stretch. If it’s meant to be someone like the Sacramento Kings’ Mike Brown, his NBA success (currently 111-73) is impressive, but he hasn’t coached college since the 90s. UNLV would be a gamble on NBA cachet over relevant experience.
Joe Pasternack, at UC Santa Barbara, has a 141-65 (.684) record there since 2017, with four NCAA appearances and a knack for winning 20+ games annually. He’s got West Coast ties (assistant at Arizona and Cal) and thrives in mid-major settings, which fits UNLV’s current Mountain West reality. His earlier stint at New Orleans was shaky (38-54), but he’s grown since. He’s a strong fit for recruiting and consistency, though he’s untested at a higher-profile job.
Josh Pastner’s tenure at Georgia Tech (183-173, .514) included one NCAA trip in 2017, but he struggled to sustain success after a solid run at Memphis (167-73). He’s young, energetic, and a recruiting ace—key for UNLV’s talent pipeline—but his recent 66-100 ACC record raises doubts about elevating a program like UNLV, which craves stability after six coaches since 2016.
Richard Pitino, now at New Mexico, has a 218-181 (.546) record across FIU, Minnesota, and UNM. He’s got two NCAA appearances, an NIT title, and Mountain West familiarity, going 14-0 to start 2022-23 at UNM. As Rick Pitino’s son, he’s got pedigree and buzz, but his up-and-down Minnesota years (141-140) show he’s not flawless. UNLV could leverage his regional ties and name recognition, though he’s locked into a rising UNM squad.
For UNLV, the priority seems to be a coach who brings stability, wins in the Mountain West, and rekindles fan excitement after years of turnover and no NCAA berths since 2013. Craig Smith stands out—he’s proven he can dominate this conference, recruits well, and has the momentum to jumpstart a stagnant program. Pasternack is a close second, offering similar regional fit and a higher win rate, but less splash. Pitino could work if he’s poachable, blending experience with hype. Turgeon’s a safe veteran pick, but less dynamic today. Terry, Pastner, and Brown (if college-relevant) lag behind due to fit or question marks.
Craig Smith feels like the best match—his Mountain West mastery and upward trajectory align with UNLV’s desperate need for a fresh, winning identity. What do you think UNLV’s top priority should be here?
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