Kruger says he’s staying with Rebels
UNLV basketball coach Lon Kruger said Wednesday there is “no truth” to any media reports or rumors that he is a candidate for other coaching openings.
Kruger widely was reported to be a candidate for the Indiana job, which former Marquette coach Tom Crean filled. A rumor Wednesday had Kruger preparing to interview at California.
“There’s no truth to any of that,” Kruger said. “Anyone can start a rumor. I’m not interviewing anywhere.”
Kruger said he was concerned how talk about his future can impact recruits and their families. The Rebels have four recruits committed for 2008 and two recruits committed for 2009. Kruger said he assured anyone who asked that he is not leaving UNLV.
The Rebels finished this season 27-8 and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
Kruger also denied interest in several coaching openings last year after UNLV went 30-7 and reached the Sweet 16.
In June, Kruger agreed to a new five-year contract that guarantees him $5.2 million. A completion bonus of $325,000 will be paid to Kruger if he still is coach at the end of the 2011-12 season. If he leaves UNLV for another college or professional coaching job, a buyout provision exists for $500,000.
Speculation also has indicated Oklahoma State might pursue Kruger in the next two weeks. Sean Sutton resigned under pressure Tuesday as Cowboys coach.
Kansas coach Bill Self, whose team is in the Final Four, is presumed to be the top candidate to replace Sutton. Boone Pickens, a prominent Oklahoma State booster, reportedly wants to lure Self or another high-profile coach to the Cowboys.
Kruger said Oklahoma State has not contacted him and that he is not interested in the job.
Contact reporter Matt Youmans at myoumans@reviewjournal.com or (702) 387-2907.
