Will Saxon, who is entering his fourth season on the UNLV men’s basketball staff, spent the 2023-24 campaign as an assistant coach. He was hired as the recruiting and video coordinator prior to the 2021-22 season and spent two years in that role before being elevated to his current position.
In three seasons with the Runnin’ Rebels, Saxon has been instrumental in the program’s steady improvement from 18 wins in 2021-22 to 19 in 2022-23 and 21 in 2023-24. The most recent season was an impressive one as the Runnin’ Rebels achieved their most wins since the 2013-14 campaign, made their first postseason appearance since the 2012-13 season and recorded their first postseason win since 2007-08. The Runnin’ Rebels were invited to the NIT where they advanced to the quarterfinals after a road win at Princeton and a home victory over Boston College before falling at eventual champion Seton Hall in the quarterfinals.
Saxon joined the staff at UNLV after eight seasons at Oklahoma (2013-21) under head coach Lon Kruger, where he served in multiple roles. He was a student manager from 2013-15, then a graduate assistant during the 2015-16 season, and video coordinator from 2016-21. In all at Oklahoma, Saxon was a part of six NCAA Tournament teams, which amassed eight total wins in the Big Dance, including a Sweet 16 appearance in 2015 and advancing to the Final Four in 2016. During his time at OU, the Sooners had 2016 National Player of the Year Buddy Hield, 2018 National Freshman of the Year Trae Young and 2021 First Team All-Big 12 recipient Austin Reeves, all who went on to play in the NBA where they are current stars.
Before joining the Oklahoma men’s basketball program, Saxon served as a scout team player for the Sooners’ women’s basketball program from 2011-13.
Saxon graduated from Oklahoma in 2015 with a bachelor’s degree in public relations, minoring in sports management. He earned his master’s degree in 2017 in adult and higher education with an emphasis in intercollegiate athletics administration.
Saxon, originally from Norman, Oklahoma, graduated from Norman High School, where he was captain of the Tigers’ basketball team for three years.
