What Happened to Jerry Esther Tarkanian?
Jerry Tarkanian was a legendary American college basketball coach, best known for leading the UNLV Runnin' Rebels to a national championship in 1990. His career was marked by a revolutionary fast-paced style of play and a decades-long, often contentious, battle with the NCAA. Tarkanian was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013 and passed away in 2015, leaving behind an enduring legacy in college basketball.
Quick Answer
Jerry Tarkanian, a Hall of Fame college basketball coach, passed away on February 11, 2015, at the age of 84. He is remembered for his iconic tenure at UNLV, where he won the 1990 NCAA National Championship and revolutionized the game with his 'Runnin' Rebels' style. His career was also defined by his persistent clashes with the NCAA, which he eventually won, receiving a $2.5 million settlement. His legacy continues through the numerous players he coached and the lasting impact of his innovative coaching methods. His wife, Lois Tarkanian, a prominent educator and public servant, passed away in November 2024.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline15 events
Born in Euclid, Ohio
Jerry Esther Tarkanian was born in Euclid, Ohio, the son of Armenian immigrants.
Began Junior College Coaching Career
Tarkanian began his successful junior college coaching career at Riverside City College, where he won three state championships. He later coached Pasadena City College, winning another state title.
Became Head Coach at Long Beach State
Tarkanian took his first Division I head coaching job at Long Beach State, where he achieved a 122–20 record over five seasons.
Hired as UNLV Head Coach
Jerry Tarkanian became the head coach of the UNLV Runnin' Rebels, a position he would hold for 19 seasons, transforming the program into a national powerhouse.
Won NCAA National Championship
Tarkanian led the UNLV Runnin' Rebels to their only NCAA National Championship, defeating Duke 103-73 in a record-setting blowout.
Undefeated Season Ends in Final Four Upset
UNLV, after an undefeated 34-0 season, suffered a shocking upset loss to Duke in the NCAA Final Four, preventing a second consecutive national title.
Brief Stint with San Antonio Spurs
After leaving UNLV, Tarkanian briefly coached the NBA's San Antonio Spurs but was fired after just 20 games due to disagreements with ownership.
Returned to Coach Fresno State
Tarkanian returned to his alma mater, Fresno State, as head coach, leading the Bulldogs to consistent winning seasons and NCAA Tournament appearances until 2002.
Settled Lawsuit with NCAA
Tarkanian settled his long-standing lawsuit against the NCAA for $2.5 million, marking a significant victory in his battle against the organization.
Retired from Coaching
Jerry Tarkanian officially retired from coaching college basketball after his tenure at Fresno State, concluding a career with 784 Division I wins.
UNLV Names Court in His Honor
The basketball court at UNLV's Thomas & Mack Center was named 'Jerry Tarkanian Court' in recognition of his immense contributions to the university's athletic program.
Lois and Jerry Tarkanian Middle School Opens
A middle school in Southern Highlands, Las Vegas, was named after Jerry and Lois Tarkanian, honoring their contributions to the community and education.
Inducted into Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
After years of being considered overdue, Tarkanian was enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, solidifying his place among basketball's greats.
Passed Away at Age 84
Jerry Tarkanian died in Las Vegas, Nevada, at the age of 84, following several years of declining health.
Wife Lois Tarkanian Passes Away
His wife, Lois Tarkanian, a prominent educator and former Las Vegas City Councilwoman and Nevada Regent, passed away at the age of 90.
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🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Jerry Tarkanian, born on August 8, 1930, in Euclid, Ohio, became one of college basketball's most iconic and controversial figures. After playing at Pasadena City College and Fresno State, he began his coaching career at the high school and junior college levels, where he quickly found success, winning four California junior college championships.
His move to Long Beach State in 1968 marked his entry into Division I college coaching, where he compiled an impressive 122–20 record over five years. However, it was at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) from 1973 to 1992 that Tarkanian, affectionately known as 'Tark the Shark,' truly made his mark. He transformed the UNLV Runnin' Rebels into a national powerhouse, known for their fast-paced offense and aggressive pressing defense. Under his leadership, UNLV reached the NCAA Final Four four times (1977, 1987, 1990, 1991) and famously won the 1990 NCAA National Championship, defeating Duke by a record 103-73 margin.
Tarkanian's career was also characterized by a protracted and public battle with the NCAA over alleged recruiting violations. He often accused the NCAA of targeting smaller institutions while overlooking issues at more powerful schools. This conflict culminated in a lawsuit against the NCAA, which was settled in 1998 with the NCAA paying Tarkanian $2.5 million, though it admitted no liability. This legal victory was seen by many as a vindication for Tarkanian and contributed to reforms within the NCAA's enforcement policies.
After a brief and unsuccessful stint coaching the NBA's San Antonio Spurs in 1992, Tarkanian returned to college coaching at his alma mater, Fresno State, from 1995 to 2002. He led the Bulldogs to six consecutive 20-win seasons and two NCAA Tournament appearances before retiring in 2002. His overall Division I coaching record stood at 784-202, and including junior college, he amassed 990 career wins.
Despite the controversies, Tarkanian's coaching genius was widely recognized. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013, an honor many felt was long overdue. He passed away on February 11, 2015, at the age of 84, in Las Vegas, Nevada, after several years of health issues. His legacy is honored through various tributes, including the naming of the basketball court at UNLV's Thomas & Mack Center in 2005 and a bronze statue unveiled outside the arena in 2013. In a significant development related to his family and enduring impact, his wife, Lois Tarkanian, a respected educator and public servant, passed away in November 2024 at the age of 90. The Lois and Jerry Tarkanian Middle School, named in honor of their contributions, opened in Las Vegas in 2006.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Jerry Esther Tarkanian made different choices?