Statement on the passing of former UNLV basketball coach Jerry Tarkanian

Jerry Tarkanian, former coach of the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels men’s basketball team from 1972 to 1992, passed away Feb. 11 in Las Vegas.

“Coach Tarkanian took UNLV’s Runnin’ Rebels to a national championship in 1990 and four Final Four appearances. He was an icon in college basketball and his spirit will be missed. My sympathies to the entire Tarkanian family,” said Kevin J. Page, chairman of the Nevada Board of Regents.

“We have lost one of the sport’s legends. Coach Tarkanian loved UNLV, his sport, and was a wonderful person,” added Rick Trachok, vice chairman. “Our condolences to Lois Tarkanian and the Tarkanian family.”

Tarkanian coached 31 years on the Division I level at Long Beach State, UNLV and Fresno State and finished his career with a 784-202 record. He posted a 509-105 record while at UNLV and left the university as the winningest coach in college basketball history (0.829). He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013.

Tarkanian is survived by his wife, Las Vegas City Councilwoman Lois Tarkanian; four children, Pam Tarkanian, Jodie Diamant, Danny Tarkanian, and George Tarkanian; and numerous grandchildren.