Robinson says it’s time

Steve Guiremand

Monday, Sept. 27, 2004 | 10:41 a.m.

John Robinson was asked Sunday afternoon in his Lied Athletic Complex office if he felt a sense of relief after announcing a few minutes earlier that the 2004 season would be his last in a storied head coaching career.

In typical Robinson fashion he quipped, "No, it would be a big relief just to win a game."

Robinson, 69, who helped energize the Las Vegas community and put UNLV's slumping football program back on the national map, decided on Sunday morning that his 27th season as a college and professional head coach would be his final one.

His team's shocking 31-21 loss to Utah State on Saturday night at Sam Boyd Stadium, which dropped the injury-plagued Rebels to a disappointing 0-4, was not the final straw according to Robinson, whose contract ran through the 2005 season.

"No, it was not the breaking point," Robinson said. "(But) it may have affected my timing on this announcement a bit."

In fact, Robinson had told some associates as far back as November that this more than likely would be his final season. Any chance of his returning for 2005 were squelched by the continuing health problems of his wife Linda, who is schedule to undergo another surgery on Wednesday related to last year's battle with breast cancer. His team's surprising struggles on the field also played a role in the decision.

"There is a point where you have to make this decision, and, right now in my mind, this is the right time for us," Robinson said.

"The discussion between my wife and I has been going on for some time. We have some health issues that we've had to face over the past couple of years that aren't going away. I feel that we need some time to sit down and focus on that. If we would have gone 12-0 we still would have needed to face this head on.

"The second reason is that we got off to a shockingly disappointing start. With the losses that we have endured I think we needed to change something and get our team looking forward. I believe there is a pressure cooker building up around the speculation about what is going to happen and now there is no speculation --- this is what is going to happen and we can move forward. We have seven games left and we need to focus on that.

"I think this is good for the program because the move from one era to the next can go a little smoother now. I think the transition needs to be as positive as possible."

Robinson told his team of the decision at a meeting on Sunday afternoon.

"They were surprised a little bit," Robinson said. "I've told the seniors, 'We're all seniors now. Let's put everything aside. You have seven games left in your career and I have seven left in mine. Let's go out and do the best we can and enjoy it and be proud of ourselves.' "

Robinson certainly has a lot to be proud of during his 27 head coaching seasons:

Robinson, who appeared as though a big weight had been lifted from his back during the informal news conference, seemed to get choked up only once. That was when he was asked his fondest UNLV memories.

"I will remember the kids that have come here and graduated from here and become men," he said. "It's always about the players and who they've grown to become. I have coached 300-something games (359 college and pro) and have been glad to win more than 200 of them (209) -- but the biggest thing is all those people. That is what makes this thing so important."

Barring an amazing turnaround and a bowl berth, Robinson's final game as a head coach will take place on Nov. 20 against San Diego State at Qualcomm Stadium.