Robinson to return

Steve Guiremand

Friday, Nov. 21, 2003 | 10:42 a.m.

UNLV's football team opens the 2004 season at SEC powerhouse Tennessee next September. And when the Rebels take the field before more than 100,000 orange and white clad Volunteers fans at Neyland Stadium, head coach John Robinson will be there with them.

Robinson, 68, who had said he would wait until after the 2003 season to decide whether to return for a sixth year at UNLV or retire, has told close associates that he will be back in 2004 for what could likely will be his final year as a head coach.

Robinson remained mum on the subject of his future at practice Thursday night. However, he spent a chunk of time on his weekly radio show outlining a number of changes he plans to make to the Rebels offense next season.

Even though Robinson still has two years remaining on his current contract worth about $500,000 per year, many around the UNLV athletic program, including new athletic director Mike Hamrick, were unsure whether he return following a rough year medically for both Robinson and wife, Linda.

Linda Robinson has been battling the side effects of multiple surgeries for breast cancer earlier this year. It was while driving her back from California in March following one of those surgeries that John Robinson suffered a minor heart attack that eventually forced him to relinquish his dual role as athletic director and head football coach.

Robinson has been back working his normal 12- to 14-hour days this season but considered stepping down to spend more time caring for his wife. However, Linda Robinson's health has improved steadily in recent weeks which led her husband to make the decision to return for the 2004 campaign.

Robinson could very well have his strongest team in 2004 with 14 starters as well as standout punter Gary Cook returning. The defense, which returns all four linebackers as well as All-American safety Jamaal Brimmer, figures to be among the best in the nation.