Editorial: Robinson starts new era for UNLV football

Sunday, Dec. 6, 1998 | 8:30 a.m.

For years his name was synonymous with the University of Southern California. Robinson's coaching credentials on the field are remarkable. He is the nation's sixth-winningest active coach. USC won four Rose Bowls and the national championship in 1978 when Robinson was coach.

Just as important as his winning record, though, is how he conducted himself off the field. Coaching under the bright-light scrutiny of the Los Angeles media and in the face of demanding alumni, Robinson was a gentleman and showed amazing temperament under difficult circumstances.

Some skeptics will point to the fact that Robinson was fired from USC after his team had a combined record of 12-11 in his final two years. What many forget, though, is that the Pac-10 perennially is one of the nation's toughest conferences, with one of its teams often vying for the national title.

All football programs fall on tough times, but most eventually turn it around. Even lowly Northwestern, which at one time had the worst losing streak in the nation, rebounded after a new coach was brought in, getting to the Rose Bowl three years ago. And Kansas State, which routinely was roughed up in past years by then-giants Nebraska and Oklahoma, is now a powerhouse.

Athletic Director Charles Cavagnaro deserves credit for moving quickly to land Robinson and get him to coach UNLV, which was winless this year. UNLV definitely has a chance for success with Robinson's arrival. While no one should expect miracles on the field immediately, Robinson should bring back respect to the UNLV football program. Good luck, Coach.