Jerry Tarkanian, American basketball player and coach (b. 1930)

The Legendary Coaching Career of Jerry Tarkanian

Jerry Tarkanian, a transformative figure in American college basketball, was born on August 8, 1930, and passed away on February 11, 2015. Over a remarkable 31-season career spanning five decades, Tarkanian coached at three distinct collegiate institutions, leaving an indelible mark on the sport with his innovative strategies and charismatic personality.

He is most famously associated with the UNLV Runnin' Rebels, where he spent the majority of his coaching life. Under his guidance, the Runnin' Rebels achieved unprecedented success, reaching the prestigious NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament's Final Four four times. The pinnacle of his career came in 1990 when he led UNLV to a dominant National Championship victory. This historic win, particularly their 103-73 triumph over Duke, is often cited as one of the most lopsided and memorable finals in NCAA history, cementing UNLV's place as a national powerhouse and showcasing Tarkanian's revolutionary approach to the game.

Tarkanian fundamentally revolutionized college basketball at UNLV by implementing a unique and highly effective system. His teams were renowned for their relentless, full-court pressing defense, which served as the engine for their explosive, fast-paced offensive attack. This "Rebel-style" basketball, characterized by up-tempo play, aggressive ball-hawking, and thrilling fast breaks, captivated audiences and challenged traditional coaching methodologies, influencing countless programs across the country.

Throughout his extensive college coaching career, Tarkanian amassed an extraordinary record of over 700 victories. His consistency was remarkable; he only twice failed to achieve a 20-win season and never endured a losing record, a testament to his exceptional skill in building and maintaining competitive programs year after year. In recognition of his profound impact and outstanding achievements, Jerry Tarkanian was posthumously inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013.

Jerry Tarkanian's Path to Stardom: From Junior Colleges to National Prominence

Jerry Tarkanian's journey in basketball began as a student-athlete at Pasadena City College before he transferred to Fresno State, where he earned his bachelor's degree while continuing to play basketball. His coaching career commenced at the high school level, but his true talents quickly emerged in the junior college ranks.

At Riverside City College, Tarkanian achieved remarkable success, leading his teams to three state championships. He then returned to his alma mater, Pasadena City College, where he again demonstrated his championship-building prowess by guiding them to another state title. These early triumphs showcased his innate ability to identify and develop talent, often from overlooked sources.

In 1968, Tarkanian transitioned to the four-year collegiate level at Long Beach State College. Here, he pioneered a groundbreaking strategy: he built a highly successful program predominantly around junior college players. At the time, these athletes were often considered "second-rate" or were overlooked by more established NCAA Division I programs. Tarkanian, however, saw their untapped potential, offering them a crucial pathway to higher-level basketball and education.

Beyond his innovative recruiting, Tarkanian was also a progressive figure in an era still grappling with racial integration in sports. He was a rare coach who dared to regularly start predominantly Black lineups, a courageous and impactful decision that helped dismantle racial barriers and provided opportunities for talented athletes regardless of race. During his five years at Long Beach State, he compiled an impressive 122–20 record, establishing a powerful foundation before his pivotal move to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV).

At UNLV, Tarkanian truly elevated his status, transforming a relatively small and obscure program into a national powerhouse. He cultivated an environment that not only demanded disciplined play but also encouraged his athletes to express their individual flair and personality on the court, a style that perfectly resonated with the vibrant and entertainment-driven culture of Las Vegas. His animated sideline presence and his team's exciting, crowd-pleasing play earned him the enduring and affectionate nickname "Tark the Shark." Tarkanian quickly transcended the role of a coach, becoming a celebrated and iconic figure in Las Vegas.

Following his highly successful tenure with the Runnin' Rebels, Tarkanian undertook a brief but notable stint coaching professionally with the San Antonio Spurs in the National Basketball Association (NBA). This move, though ultimately short-lived, underscored his widespread recognition within the basketball world. He ultimately concluded his storied coaching career by returning to his roots, coaching at his alma mater, Fresno State.

Jerry Tarkanian's Enduring Legal Battles with the NCAA

Throughout his illustrious career, Jerry Tarkanian was famously embroiled in protracted and often bitter legal confrontations with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). These battles were a defining aspect of his legacy, as each of the three universities he coached – Long Beach State, UNLV, and Fresno State – faced accusations of rules violations and subsequent penalties from the NCAA.

The alleged infractions often centered on issues like improper benefits to student-athletes, recruiting improprieties, or academic eligibility concerns. Tarkanian, however, consistently maintained his innocence and believed his programs were unfairly targeted. He frequently challenged the powerful organization, publicly accusing the NCAA of hypocrisy and applying a double standard, particularly contending that they disproportionately investigated and penalized smaller institutions while overlooking similar or more egregious violations at larger, more prominent universities.

This contentious relationship escalated into a significant legal saga. In 1977, the NCAA ordered UNLV to suspend Tarkanian, a directive he vigorously fought. Tarkanian famously sued the NCAA, and during the protracted legal proceedings, he continued coaching the Runnin' Rebels. The dispute eventually reached the U.S. Supreme Court, which, in 1988, ruled against him in the case known as NCAA v. Tarkanian. The Court determined that the NCAA, as a private organization, was not a "state actor" and thus its enforcement actions were not subject to the constitutional due process requirements that would apply to a state government entity. Despite this legal setback, Tarkanian remained UNLV's coach following a subsequent, hard-fought settlement with the NCAA.

The legal struggles did not end there. Tarkanian initiated another lawsuit against the NCAA in 1992. This extended and highly publicized legal battle finally concluded in 1998 with a significant settlement in Tarkanian's favor, wherein he received $2.5 million. This substantial award served as an acknowledgment of the extensive and often contentious nature of their long-standing dispute. Tarkanian's unwavering willingness to challenge a powerful institution solidified his image as an independent spirit and a folk hero to many who believed the NCAA wielded excessive authority.

Frequently Asked Questions About Jerry Tarkanian

What was Jerry Tarkanian best known for in college basketball?
Jerry Tarkanian was best known for his revolutionary "Rebel-style" basketball at UNLV, characterized by a relentless full-court pressing defense that fueled a fast-paced, high-scoring offense. He also achieved national prominence by leading the UNLV Runnin' Rebels to four Final Four appearances and a national championship in 1990.
When did UNLV win the NCAA National Championship under Coach Tarkanian?
The UNLV Runnin' Rebels, coached by Jerry Tarkanian, won their sole NCAA Men's Division I Basketball National Championship in 1990. They defeated Duke University in a dominant performance with a final score of 103-73.
What does the nickname "Tark the Shark" signify?
"Tark the Shark" was an affectionate nickname given to Jerry Tarkanian, reflecting his intense, often animated presence on the sideline, his aggressive coaching style, and his team's predatory, fast-breaking approach to basketball. It also captured his celebrity status in Las Vegas.
Did Jerry Tarkanian ever coach in the NBA?
Yes, Jerry Tarkanian had a brief stint coaching professionally in the NBA with the San Antonio Spurs during the 1992-1993 season, after his initial departure from UNLV. He later returned to college coaching at Fresno State.
What was the outcome of Jerry Tarkanian's legal battles with the NCAA?
Jerry Tarkanian famously sued the NCAA multiple times over alleged rules violations. While the U.S. Supreme Court ruled against him in 1988 regarding due process, he continued to coach after a settlement. His final lawsuit against the NCAA concluded in 1998 with a $2.5 million settlement in his favor, marking a significant personal victory against the powerful organization.