On July 1, 2022, Jean-Paul Hebert (pronounced "A-bear") became just the third full-time head coach in the proud history of the UNLV men’s golf program. He enters his third season at the helm in 2024-25.
In his second season as head coach (2023-2024), Hebert led the Rebels back to familiar territory when they made their first NCAA Regional appearance in five years and 32nd trip overall. Since taking the reins of the UNLV program, Hebert has also coached his student-athletes to one Mountain West Golfer of the Year (Caden Fioroni – 2022-23) honor, three All-Mountain West selections and an NCAA Regional individual qualifier with Caden Fioroni competing as an individual in the first-ever Las Vegas Regional in 2023.
Hebert came to Las Vegas after serving as the assistant men’s golf coach at the University of Texas for eight years, as well as for four years prior to that as the team’s volunteer coach. In those 12 years, he helped lead the Longhorns to two National Championships (2012 & 2022), two national runner-up finishes (2016 & 2019), 42 team wins, 32 individual victories, and five Big 12 Conference Championships. He was named the nation's top assistant in 2020 when he earned the Jan Strickland Outstanding Assistant Coach Award, after having spent four years with two-time Masters Champion and current No. 1-ranked player in the world Scottie Scheffler.
"I've had some great opportunities in the game of golf, and coaching here in Las Vegas is certainly one of those," Hebert said. “And to know that I’m only the third coach in the history of our program is humbling at least, and a reminder of the pride and the strength of our history.”
Michael "Chub" Drakulich became UNLV's first full-time head golf coach in 1972 before Hall of Fame coach Dwaine Knight took over in fall 1987.
Historically, the Rebels have qualified for the NCAA Championship 22 times, totaling 11 top-eight finishes and a national championship in 1998. UNLV has also produced two individual national champions, and its alumni have totaled 33 wins on the PGA Tour, highlighted by Adam Scott’s 2013 Masters Tournament title.
“Our program is designed internally and externally to develop and prepare our players for professional golf. That’s why they are here,” Hebert added. “UNLV is widely known for its competitive teams and great players. But we do not take lightly the student-athlete experience, nor the commitment to graduating leaders. We see this as a great place for growth.”
Hebert was a student-athlete at Texas from 1989-94, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in communications in 1994. With Justin Leonard as a teammate, he played a major part in leading the Longhorns to four Southwest Conference titles, and a second-place finish at the 1994 NCAA Championship. Individually, Hebert was a three time All-America selection (1991-93), and a four-time All-SWC selection. His 24 top-10 finishes included a win at the 1992 Miami (Florida) National Collegiate, and a tie for third at the 1993 NCAA Championship.
Born and raised in Houston, Hebert grew up in a championship golf environment. His father, Jay, was the 1960 PGA Champion and 1971 Ryder Cup Captain, and his uncle Lionel was the PGA Champion in 1957. He was also greatly influenced by Burkes, Harmons, and many other great players and teachers. In regard to the mentorship he’s received, Hebert states, “I’ve been mentored by some of the best in the game, if not the best. And much of what I give my players was handed down to me.”
He is a member of the PGA of America, United States Golf Association and the Golf Coaches Association of America.
