Chris Beard to be named UNLV head coach

After one year with Arkansas-Little Rock, Chris Beard is headed for the bright lights of Las Vegas to be the next coach of UNLV, according to Mark Anderson of the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

Little Rock has already announced Beard's resignation.

Just three years ago, the 43-year-old was coaching the South Carolina Warriors of the ABA, a semi-pro outfit. He churned out remarkable results in his one season with the Trojans, posting a 30-5 record, including a dramatic win over Purdue in the first round of the NCAA tournament.

The move marks the end of a tumultuous coaching search for the Runnin' Rebels, who flew Cincinnati's Mick Cronin in for an interview, before he decided to stay with the Bearcats.

According to Anderson, the job was then offered to Saint Mary's coach Randy Bennett, who also declined the position despite reportedly being offered a salary of $1.5 million per year.

Marvin Menzies of New Mexico State was also in consideration for the position before the school reportedly decided Beard was the man for the job.

UNLV's run of five NCAA tournament appearances in six years ended last season, and the Running Rebels finished this season 18-15, firing head coach Dave Rice midway through the campaign.