LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) – T.J. Otzelberger was formally introduced Thursday as the new head coach of the UNLV's men's basketball program during a media conference held on campus at the Thomas & Mack Center's Strip View Pavilion. Otzelberger came to UNLV after most recently serving as head coach at South Dakota State University, leading the Jackrabbits to two NCAA Tournaments and one NIT appearance in his three years at the helm.
"When I set out to find the next coach of our Runnin' Rebels," Director of Athletics Desiree Reed-Francois said, "I sought a hard-working, laser-focused head coach who personifies our core values; who knows what success looks like; who is passionately committed to winning; and who is at ease with being the face of our storied basketball program. T.J. exemplifies these attributes. I am confident he is the right coach to bring the Runnin' Rebels into a new era of preeminence and we welcome T.J., Alison, Jayce, Olivia, and Stella to the UNLV Family."
Otzelberger ("OTTS-ell-BURGER") lifted the program at South Dakota State to new heights during his three-year tenure (2016-2019), where he compiled an overall record of 70-33, led the Jackrabbits to three straight postseason appearances, clinched the outright regular-season Summit League title the past two seasons, and earned the conference's Coach of the Year honors.
Under Otzelberger, the Jackrabbits were one of the top offensive teams in the nation, ranking in the top 10 among all NCAA teams in scoring during the last two seasons: 2017-18 (7th), 2018-19 (5th).
Prior to SDSU, Otzelberger served two separate stints as an assistant coach at Iowa State, covering eight seasons. He began his first tour in Ames in 2006 under then-head coach Greg McDermott and was later elevated to associate head coach in 2010 by then-head coach Fred Hoiberg. The 2011-12 Iowa State squad achieved a top-25 national ranking for the first time in seven years and defeated defending national champion Connecticut in the NCAA Tournament en route to 23 wins.
Following the 2012-13 season, Otzelberger moved on to the University of Washington for two years, where he served as associate head coach on then-head coach Lorenzo Romar's staff. The Huskies were ranked as high as No. 11 during the 2014-15 season and Otzelberger played a key role in putting together a top-10 nationally ranked recruiting class.
Otzelberger returned to Iowa State in the spring of 2015 as an assistant coach. As a member of Steve Prohm's staff, he helped lead the Cyclones to a 23-12 overall record and a berth in the NCAA Tournament's Sweet 16. The Cyclones were ranked in the top 25 throughout the 2015-16 season and reached the Sweet 16 before falling to top-seeded Virginia in the regional semifinals.
"I have been fortunate to coach at some amazing universities and it was going to take a very special opportunity to leave Brookings," Otzelberger said. "UNLV basketball is one of the most storied programs in the nation and situated in one of the world's greatest cities. I'm honored to have the opportunity to add to the Runnin' Rebels' rich history and my family and I could not be more proud to be the newest members of this world-class university and Las Vegas community."
A native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Otzelberger, 41, earned a degree from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater where he played collegiately and was a two-year team captain. His coaching career started at Burlington Catholic Central High School in Wisconsin before spending one season at Chipola JC in Florida.
Otzelberger is married to Alison Lacey, a former Iowa State standout who also played for the WNBA's Seattle Storm. The couple has three children, Jayce, Olivia and Stella.
"Coach Otzelberger is a rising star in coaching and a proven winner whose teams have performed at a high level, both academically and in competition," said UNLV President Marta Meana. "I'm impressed by Coach Otzelberger's immediate and long-term vision for the program and his commitment to player development at all levels. Runnin' Rebel basketball has a rich history and a very bright future, and we look forward to welcoming Coach Otzelberger and his family to UNLV."
OTZELBERGER'S COACHING FILE
2019- UNLV Head Coach
2016-19 South Dakota State Head Coach
2015-16 Iowa State Assistant Coach
2013-15 Washington Associate Head Coach
2010-12 Iowa State Associate Head Coach
2006-10 Iowa State Assistant Coach
2004-05 Chipola College (Marianna, FL) Assistant Coach
2001-04 Burlington (WI) Catholic Central HS Head Coach
