Tony Sanchez returning for fifth season at UNLV

Published Nov. 29, 2018 4:04 p.m. ET

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Tony Sanchez will return for a fifth season coaching at UNLV.

Rebels athletic director Desiree Reed-Francois issued a statement Thursday announcing Sanchez's return after she and acting university President Marta Meana evaluated the football program.

Sanchez made the jump directly from high school when he was hired to replace Bobby Hauck after coaching at nearby Bishop Gorman High School.

The Rebels have gone 16-32 in Sanchez's first four seasons, including 4-8 this season. UNLV went 2-6 in the Mountain West Conference West Division, just ahead of last-place San Jose State, but closed out the season with a 34-29 win over rival Nevada.

Sanchez also has given UNLV a huge boost in fundraising efforts, helping raise money for construction of a new football complex.