University of Nevada Las Vegas

Former Rebel player Steve Irvin is in his second season overseeing the UNLV cornerbacks. Irvin returned to his hometown to coach for the Rebels in 2018 after spending the previous five seasons as defensive coordinator at the University of San Diego, during which the FCS program boasted an overall record of 46-17 and advanced to the FCS Playoffs for the first time in program history. He also coached the Toreros’ cornerbacks for two seasons from 2011-12. 

Other stops include a stint overseeing the corners for Texas State, a season at Montana State and time at San Diego State where he earned his master’s degree. Irvin began his coaching career at College of the Desert in 1999.

A Southern Nevada native out of Eldorado High School, Irvin began his collegiate playing career as a linebacker at College of the Desert from 1994-95 before competing for one season at Quincy University (NCAA Div. II) in Illinois. He then returned to his hometown and lettered at UNLV in 1998 before earning his bachelor’s degree from the school in 1999.

    Irvin is believed to be only the third former UNLV player to serve as a full-time football coach at the school. The others were Wayne Nunnely, a 1975 graduate who coached running backs from 1982-85 before taking over as head coach of the program from 1986-89; and longtime college coach Craig Bray, a 1975 graduate who then spent the next fall coaching the Rebel receivers.

IRVIN’S COACHING EXPERIENCE
2018 -- UNLV – Cornerbacks
2013-17 – San Diego – Defensive Coordinator
2011-12 – San Diego – Cornerbacks
2008-10 – Texas State – Cornerbacks
2007 – College of the Desert – Defensive Assistant
2006 -- Montana State – Assistant Secondary Coach
2004-05 – San Diego State – Assistant Director of Operations
2002-03 – San Diego State – Graduate Assistant Coach
2001 – College of the Desert – Defensive Coordinator/Strength & Conditioning Coach
1999-2000 – College of the Desert -- Linebackers