Report: Pitino says he’s talked to UNLV

Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2001 | 10:09 a.m.

BOSTON - Before Boston Celtics coach and president Rick Pitino officially resigned Monday, UNLV expressed interest in his services on Sunday, The Boston Globe reported.

"I had a phone conversation with UNLV," Pitino told the Globe. "I basically told them that I'm going to take some time off, then I'm going to look at some situations. Pretty much that's it. There's no openings other than UNLV. That's the only opening in college basketball. There's been no contact with anybody other than UNLV."

The Globe reported Tuesday its sources said that UNLV supporters, including casino executive Steve Wynn, talked with Pitino about coaching candidates, including Pitino himself.

UNLV officials have said they had not had any contact with Pitino.

"It wouldn't be appropriate for me to comment, other than to say our basketball team is moving forward," UNLV athletic director Charles Cavagnaro said Monday.

UNLV has had an opening since the school fired Bill Bayno last month in the wake of a four-year NCAA-imposed probation for recruiting violations. Assistant Max Good was elevated to the top spot for the rest of the year, although the school didn't rule out bringing in a new coach.

Speculation about Pitino going to UNLV dates back to last season, when the Rebels were ousted in the first round of the NCAA tournament.

Pitino has been linked to a number of other possible college jobs, including UCLA.