Spoonhour resigns at UNLV

LAS VEGAS -- UNLV coach Charlie Spoonhour resigned Tuesday, citing health reasons.

"I am physically unable to do this right now," Spoonhour, 64, said in a statement. "Because of my health it is in my best interest to step away. It has nothing to do with basketball or anything surrounding the program."

He was unavailable for interviews and gave no other details.

The Runnin' Rebels (12-9) have lost three straight games, including a 94-60 rout at Missouri on Sunday.

Jay Spoonhour, an assistant on his father's staff at UNLV for the past three seasons, will serve as the interim head coach. A search for a new head coach will begin immediately, athletic department officials said.

Spoonhour is the second coach to resign for health reasons in the last month. On Jan. 28, Rick Majerus took a leave of absence at Utah, citing heart problems. He later said he would not return to Utah.

Spoonhour, who was hired March 29, 2001, leaves UNLV with a 54-31 record. He led the team to NIT appearances in 2002 and 2003.

UNLV athletic director Mike Hamrick said Spoonhour leaves a solid program behind him.

"He added a lot of stability to the program the last three years, and we wish him nothing but the best in the future and hope he can take care of these health issues quickly," Hamrick said.

Spoonhour coached for nine years at Southwest Missouri State and seven years at Saint Louis University before retiring in 1999. He also was the head coach at Moberly Junior College and served four years as an assistant coach at Southwest Missouri. Spoonhour also coached at three Missouri high schools -- Salem, Bloomfield and Rocky Comfort.