Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

Jerry Tarkanian’s death met with an outpouring of grief

Jerry Tarkanian

Las Vegas Sun

UNLV basketball coach Jerry Tarkanian reacts as UNLV builds a big lead during a 1986 game.

Updated Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2015 | 2:45 p.m.

Jerry Tarkanian

UNLV players Moses Scurry, left, and Anderson Hunt hug coach Jerry Tarkanian after their 103-73 victory over Duke in the NCAA Final Four Championship game, April 2, 1990, in Denver. Launch slideshow »

News of legendary UNLV basketball coach Jerry Tarkanian's death was met with a huge outpouring of grief and a strong dose of nostalgia today, as decades of Tarkanian fans remembered the towel-biting firebrand.

Tarkanian, who famously led the Rebels to four appearances in the Final Four, including a 1990 national championship, died today. He was 84.

Here's what people had to say about Tarkanian.

U.S. Rep. Dina Titus

"I'm sure the coach is looking down and chewing now on that famous towel in heaven."

ESPN college basketball analyst Dick Vitale

“A tough time — 1st Dean Smith & now Jerry Tarkanian has passed / My sympathy goes out to his wife Lois & family RIP,” Vitale said via Twitter.

Retired Indiana Pacers player Reggie Miller

“Heaven is fielding an unbelievable coaching roster, RIP Coach Jerry Tarkanian, one of the best..”

UNLV basketball coach Dave Rice

“Coach Tark was a difference maker to all of us. Life changer. Legend. RIP, Coach Tark. #UnlvFamily,” Rice said via Twitter.

Statement from Long Beach State University

“Today we lost a Long Beach State legend with the passing of Hall of Fame Coach Jerry Tarkanian. Thoughts go out from the entire Beach family,” the school said via Twitter.

Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid

“No one in Nevada history has been able to entertain crowds like Jerry Tarkanian and his legendary Runnin’ Rebels; this includes renowned Vegas entertainers like Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Cher and Celine Dion.​

“The Tarkanian family, from Jerry and Lois to their children and grandchildren, has dedicated their blood, sweat and tears to UNLV and to Las Vegas. Jerry’s Runnin’ Rebels, with their National Championship and exciting play, put UNLV and Las Vegas on the map, and their impact isn’t going away any time soon.​"

Steve Sisolak, Clark County commissioner

"Jerry and his Runnin’ Rebels created such great excitement and sense of community here. He lifted our spirits and brought us together. Today, we again come together as a community — this time to mourn.​"

Governor Brian Sandoval

"My thoughts and prayers are with Jerry Tarkanian and his family right now."

U.S. Sen. Dean Heller

"Lois, the entire #Tarkanian family, and the UNLV community are in my thoughts and prayers during this extremely difficult time. #RIPCoachTark​," Heller said via Twitter.

Below is live blog of social media reaction to Tarkanian's death.

Join the Discussion:

Check this out for a full explanation of our conversion to the LiveFyre commenting system and instructions on how to sign up for an account.

Full comments policy