Multiple reports, including one from the Las Vegas Review’s Mark Anderson are indicating that Little Rock’s Chris Beard will become the next head coach at UNLV.  He will reportedly ink a five-year deal later this morning.

The reigning Sun Belt Conference Coach of the Year, Beard led Little Rock to a 30-5 record and an upset victory over Purdue in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.  Before becoming the head coach at Little Rock in the spring of 2015, Beard led Angelo State to a 47-15 record over two seasons.  He was named the NABC South Central Region and Lone Star Conference Coach of the Year after leading Angelo State to a program-record 28 wins in the 2014-15 season.  He has also been the head coach at McMurry University and for the ABA’s South Carolina Warriors.

Beard spent 10 years as an assistant coach at Texas Tech, including seven under legendary head coach Bobby Knight. He was named associate head coach in 2008 following Pat Knight’s appointment as head coach. In 10 years in Lubbock, the Red Raiders won 188 games – the best 10-year stretch in program history – while earning four NCAA Tournament bids and three NIT appearances. Beard’s run at Texas Tech was highlighted by the Red Raiders’ 2005 Sweet Sixteen run.

More on this developing story later this afternoon when the hiring is expected to be made official.