Gouldsmith works, awaits word on his fate at UNLV

Nothing has stopped UNLV baseball coach Buddy Gouldsmith from preparing for next season.

He spent another long day at the office Wednesday, doing paperwork and meeting with players. His scouting and recruiting efforts continue.

But at the same time, he realizes his days on the job might be numbered, and he won’t have to wait much longer to learn his fate.

The Rebels’ third consecutive losing season has put Gouldsmith’s status in jeopardy.

The fifth-year coach is scheduled to meet Friday with UNLV athletic director Mike Hamrick, who said he is “still evaluating” Gouldsmith and the baseball program.

When the same process played out a year ago, Hamrick extended Gouldsmith’s contract for one year. Gouldsmith said he remains “optimistic” he will get another chance.

“There are a lot of good things happening in our program,” Gouldsmith said. “If you just want to look at the wins and losses, that’s not good.”

The Rebels finished the season 22-37 and placed sixth in the seven-team Mountain West Conference. The team’s win total has declined each year under Gouldsmith, dropping from a high of 37 in 2004.

In Gouldsmith’s first two years, he was one of UNLV’s most successful head coaches. He compiled a 72-53 record, won two Mountain West titles and made two NCAA Tournament appearances.

“I think that gets forgotten really fast,” he said.

In the past three years, Gouldsmith’s record is 75-103, making his career mark 147-156.

But those numbers don’t tell the whole story. Hamrick said last year that Gouldsmith deserved to be complimented because his teams have had no academic or off-field problems. This past year, Gouldsmith said, was his team’s best in terms of academic performance.

The Rebels were competitive at times this season, taking two of three games in home series against Texas Christian and San Diego State, and losing 6-5 at then-No. 1 Arizona on March 4. But they went 4-17 down the stretch.

Gouldsmith had only two seniors on the roster, and the inexperience showed up most in the pitching staff, which had an ERA of 7.17. Gouldsmith said next year’s team will be led by more veterans and he has received commitments from some top pitching prospects.

The biggest personnel loss could be junior first baseman Xavier Scruggs, who hit .379 with 20 home runs and was named MWC Player of the Year. Scruggs is expected to go in the first 10 rounds of the major league draft in June.

“I really don’t think we’re far away from being a much better club in terms of our wins and losses,” Gouldsmith said. “I hope for this club, whether I’m in charge of it or not, they gained that valuable experience to be successful.

“I know by my own standards and expectations, we’re not at the level I want. I don’t sleep. All I think about is how to make it better.”

Contact reporter Matt Youmans at myoumans@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2907.