UNLV Basketball Turns the Page with Josh Pastner at the Helm
The UNLV men’s basketball program has officially started a new chapter as Josh Pastner takes over as the Runnin’ Rebels’ head coach. In a public event marking his introduction, Pastner was warmly welcomed into his role by members of the university and community, all of whom share a collective ambition: to restore the program to its former glory. With a storied past and a hunger for resurgence, UNLV has entrusted Pastner with the monumental task of leading the team back to national prominence.
Pastner comes to UNLV with a lucrative five-year contract valued at $4.8 million, demonstrating the university’s commitment to reinvesting in the basketball program. Beginning with a $500,000 salary in his first year, Pastner’s annual pay will increase to $1 million in years two and three, and further to $1.15 million in the final two years of the deal. This financial investment is both a testament to UNLV’s confidence in Pastner’s abilities and a declaration of its renewed dedication to becoming a force in the NCAA basketball landscape once more.
With an impressive résumé, Pastner brings a wealth of coaching experience and a proven track record of success. His head coaching career began at Memphis in 2009, where he made an immediate impact. During his seven-year stint with the Tigers, Pastner led the team to four NCAA tournament appearances and captured two conference titles, cementing his reputation as a coach capable of putting together competitive programs. Subsequent to his time at Memphis, Pastner spent seven seasons at Georgia Tech, where he guided the team to an NCAA tournament appearance and earned the prestigious ACC Coach of the Year award in 2017. His ability to navigate the challenges of the highly competitive Atlantic Coast Conference further solidified his standing as a seasoned and capable leader.
Despite his accomplishments, Pastner’s journey to UNLV has not been without turbulence. During his time at Georgia Tech, he dealt with setbacks, including an NCAA investigation into recruiting violations that resulted in sanctions against the program. Furthermore, Pastner became embroiled in a high-profile extortion case involving allegations of improper benefits provided to players, though he was eventually cleared of wrongdoing in some aspects of the controversy. These experiences, though challenging, have equipped Pastner with a greater understanding of compliance and operational management—lessons that will undoubtedly inform his tenure with the Runnin’ Rebels.
For UNLV, Pastner’s arrival is a chance to end a decade-long NCAA tournament drought. The Runnin’ Rebels haven’t competed in the tournament since 2013, and their last Sweet 16 appearance dates all the way back to 2007. These prolonged absences are a stark departure from the program’s illustrious past, which includes a national championship in 1990 under the legendary Jerry Tarkanian. UNLV was, at one time, synonymous with dominance in college basketball, and fans have been eagerly awaiting the team’s return to relevance.
Pastner understands the enormity of the challenge ahead of him, as well as the weight of expectations that accompany the job. To build the winning culture the program craves, he’ll have to focus not only on performance on the court but also on cultivating strong relationships with players, ensuring NCAA compliance, and fostering community engagement. His past experiences at Memphis and Georgia Tech serve as valuable preparation for the road ahead, and Pastner’s hiring represents a calculated effort to bring in a leader who can navigate these complexities.
The optimism surrounding Pastner’s appointment is palpable. He has a reputation for being not only a tactician but also a program builder, one who understands the delicate balance of improving player development, managing compliance, and inspiring both fans and athletes. For a team with a proud and passionate fanbase, the time is right for a fresh vision and a renewed approach to success.
At its core, this next chapter of UNLV men’s basketball isn’t just about wins and losses—it’s about revitalizing a legacy. Pastner’s mission is to reignite the fire that previously made the Runnin’ Rebels one of the most exciting programs in the nation. With a talented leader at the helm, a storied history to build upon, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, UNLV is poised to make a statement in the coming years. While the journey may be challenging, the dedication to restoring one of college basketball’s most iconic programs is stronger than ever. Fans should prepare for what could be an exciting and transformative era under Josh Pastner’s stewardship.