MWC coaches want Majerus to put health first

Steve Guiremand

Thursday, Jan. 29, 2004 | 10:07 a.m.

The news that Rick Majerus may have coached his last game at Utah because of health problems didn't come entirely as a shock in Mountain West Conference basketball circles.

Majerus, whose weight according to an ESPN.com report had ballooned back up to 370 pounds, had twice undergone procedures for heart problems in the past, including a bypass operation in 1989. He flew to Santa Barbara on Tuesday night to meet with his cardiologist after suffering chest pains at a dinner that grew progressively more severe and caused pain to radiate down his left arm.

On Wednesday morning, Utah announced Majerus, who has coached the Utes to 10 NCAA Tournament appearances and spurned several UNLV coaching ovatures, would leave his position as head coach at the end of the current season. There is a possibility -- slim many say -- that he may try and return and coach later this season if his health permits him.

"It's really sad for the Utah family," New Mexico coach Ritchie McKay said. "He's been an icon not only for this league but also for college basketball. His insight into the game is unparreled."

"The most important thing is his health," UNLV coach Charlie Spoonhour said. "I think we all agree on that. It's a loss to Utah's team and basketball in general. Lets just hope that it's something temporary and that he'll be back. I hope he's there when we play (Feb. 9 in Salt Lake City)."

Majerus is generally regarded as one of the top five coaches in college basketball in terms of developing and preparing his players. The Utes have won or tied for 10 conference titles in the last 13 years, gone to the Sweet Sixteen four times and advanced all the way to the 1998 NCAA national championship game where they lost to Kentucky.

"I think everyone has the utmost respect for him," Spoonhour, who is 3-4 against Utah, said. "He's a great coach."

UNLV freshman guard John Winston was recruited by Utah before choosing UNLV last year.

"He's a great guy and a great coach," Winston said. "I respect him a lot. I really feel bad for his team because they were doing a great job. With him being their general, it's going to hurt."

Assistant coach Kerry Rupp will coach the team in Majerus' absence.