This was definitely necessary from an image perspective to those throwing money into the program (Fertita's, etc...). Make no mistake, these people are investing in Tony Sanchez as much as they are in UNLV Football, if not more so. This gives the assurance that for all intensive purposes, "their" guy will be there to build, use and benefit from the resources they are pouring into the program.
Coach Sanchez is raising more money than most people ever thought possible for UNLV Football. The buzz around his hiring was the likelihood of the Fertitas (and others) investing some big money into the program, and a lot of people questioned whether that would even happen. Well, in his two years at the helm, the Fertitas have donated $10 million toward a new football facility, which will break ground this Spring. Numerous other significant donations to the program have followed too. My support for Sanchez from day one was mostly related to the promise of that money and a new facility on campus. That facility is long overdue if we are going to make any attempt to be competitive in football.
If Sanchez turns out to be a successful coach and turns around the program, that is just gravy. The jury is still somewhat out, but in my opinion the program is certainly trending in the right direction. This year will tell us a lot and a lot is riding on if Armani Rogers provides the significant upgrade we're hoping for and that we've needed for a long time at the QB position.
If Sanchez turns out not to be "the guy," at least we'll be heading into the next coaching search with an incredible new on-campus practice facility and likely a new stadium being built (Raiders or no Raiders) much closer to campus. If he achieves nothing else, that new football facility alone should be enough to celebrate his tenure. Of course, at that point we'll be at the mercy of whatever yahoo they bring in as AD to find the right coach... at least it won't be TKM.
