Tony Sanchez announced as next UNLV coach; to receive 4-year contract worth $500,000 annually

By Taylor Bern

Published Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2014 | 1:40 p.m.

Updated Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2014 | 5:45 p.m.

Five days after winning his sixth straight state championship at Bishop Gorman High, Tony Sanchez will officially trade in his blue and orange for scarlet and gray.

After weeks of speculation that focused almost exclusively on Sanchez, UNLV announced this afternoon that he would become the Rebels’ 11th football coach in program history. Sanchez will be introduced at a press conference at 1 p.m. Thursday in the Stan Fulton Building on UNLV’s campus. He replaces Bobby Hauck, who resigned last month after five seasons and a 15-49 record.

Sanchez has almost no college experience, serving as a graduate assistant for one season at his alma mater, New Mexico State, before beginning his high school coaching career. His final career record with the Gaels is 85-5, including an undefeated record this year and an expected mythical national championship.

The decision to select Sanchez, which has been rumored for the past several weeks, is expected to come with a significant financial contribution from the community. UFC CEO and chairman Lorenzo Fertitta donated significant amounts to Bishop Gorman during Sanchez’s record run with the Gaels.

His hire is pending approval from the Nevada State Board of Regents. They’ve scheduled a special meeting for 1:30 p.m. Dec. 16 to approve his contract.

Sanchez would receive a four-year deal worth $500,000 annually. That includes $250,000 in base pay, $125,000 for media appearances and $125,000 for public appearances. Additionally, he can earn $50,000 in annual bonus money for reaching a bowl game or the program’s academic achievement.

Taylor Bern can be reached at 948-7844 or [email protected]. Follow Taylor on Twitter at twitter.com/taylorbern.