Las Vegas NowUNLV Football Coach Talks About Firing

UNLV Football Coach Talks About Firing

UNLV President Neal Smatresk and Interim Athletic Director Jerry Koloskie announced over the weekend that Coach Mike Sanford would be terminated effective December 5th.

The team has struggled under Sanford's leadership with losing seasons and dwindling fan support.

In an afternoon news conference, Sanford said he was thankful for the opportunity to be the head football coach and believes the program is better than when he started. He did make a plea to boosters and those in the community who support the program.

Watch the entire news conference by Coach Sanford

"I really ask you to look at this issue and face the reality of this issue, this is not a coach issue, it is a system, infrastructure and commitment issue, that I am concerned about," Sanford said.

Sanford added that he did not want to complain about things, he just felt he had an opportunity to say some things that could make the program better. He said there needs to be more support from top-level administration at UNLV.

"They need to put their money where their mouth is," he added.

This was Sanford's 5th season as the head coach of the Rebels. He has an overall record of 15 wins and 43 loses. UNLV became ineligible for the post season after their loss to Air Force this weekend. With one game left in the season, Sanford has a record of 7 wins and 32 loses in conference play.

"We appreciate the service, commitment and dedication that Mike Sanford and his staff provided to UNLV over the last five years," Koloskie said. "Our efforts remain focused on building the Rebels into a winning football program," said Koloskie.

Smatresk did tell 8 News Now that the university is looking into raising the coach's salary from its current $425,000. Sanford was the lowest paid coach in the Mountain West Conference.

"Certainly we have to consider raising the ante for a coach. If we bring in the right coach and we fill our stadium, I believe that we'll do better fiscally and I believe a good coach will help us raise more funds for athletics," said Smatresk.

Sanford will coach the Rebels in their final game of the season at home vs. San Diego State on November 28th.

The University hopes the selection of a new head football coach will be one of the first major decisions of the new athletic director.