Report: UNLV close to hiring Mick Cronin

UNLV is nearing an agreement with Cincinnati head coach Mick Cronin that will make him the Runnin' Rebels' new coach, multiple sources told Jeff Goodman of ESPN.

Cronin was reportedly granted permission to speak with UNLV about the opening after the Bearcats' season ended in the first round of the NCAA tournament.

That said, Cincinnati president Santa J. Ono said Wednesday that athletic director Mike Bohn is doing everything he can to keep Cronin with the Bearcats.

Cronin has spent the last decade with the Bearcats, and has led Cincinnati to the NCAA tournament in each of the last six seasons.