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While we all anxiously await the official announcement from the UNLV, Arkansas-Little Rock has gone ahead and made an official announcement for them.
Arkansas-Little Rock says coach Chris Beard has stepped down to accept the same job at UNLV https://t.co/D0PxOYbFMl
— RJ Rebels (@RJRebels) March 28, 2016
Ever since news broke last night that Chris Beard would be taking the position, reactions from fans, analysts and former players have been rolling in on Twitter.
While these are opinions, and no one knows at this point if this move by the University will work out in the long run, it's interesting to see everyone's opinion, and so far, most seem to like this hire.
Chris Beard good luck!!! Definitly got a big win against Purdue which got him this job. Proud to have him!!! Go in the rite direction!!
— winkadams (@jovanunlv1) March 28, 2016
Seems #unlvmbb has its new coach! Waiting on formal announcement from UNLV. Welcome @CoachBeardLR!! https://t.co/K9Jfc4Yxs3
— The Rebel Report (@RebelReportUNLV) March 28, 2016
Interested to see the Chris Beard era at UNLV. Some definite reasons to be optimistic & some real big question marks. Will be fun to cover.
— Geoff Grammer (@GeoffGrammer) March 28, 2016
However, the biggest reactions to look for will be from current members of the team and also the three recruits that are currently due to join the program this fall. We might be hearing from some of the current Rebels as early as tonight, as it's being reported that Beard will have his first official meeting with the team tonight, according to Mark Anderson.
Chris Beard will meet with the #UNLVmbb players tonight after he arrives from Little Rock. #RJnow
— Mark Anderson (@markanderson65) March 28, 2016
It's very important that this first meeting goes well. With Stephen Zimmerman announcing he's going to the NBA and Dwayne Morgan likely transferring, it's vital that Beard convince the remaining Rebels to stay. There's still a lot of talent on this roster, and if Beard doesn't have to do a full rebuild in year one, he could have a good chance of putting together a successful inaugural season at the helm of the Runnin' Rebels.
Continue to check back as we will be updating this post as more people weigh in with their thoughts and opinions on this move by UNLV.
Also, no reaction yet from Stacey Augmon or his wife about being passed over the head coaching job again.