UNLV Hires NFL Great Randall Cunningham As Coach—But Not for Football
The University of Nevada, Las Vegas athletic department hired alumnus and retired NFL quarterback Randall Cunningham, but not for a job on the football coaching staff.
Instead, Cunningham will start an assistant coaching position with the track and field team, specifying in jumps.
“I am so excited to bring Coach Cunningham back to where it all started. To have a true Rebel on this coaching staff who knows the history and legacy of the university is priceless,” coach Carmelita Jeter said, via the school’s press release.
We've added a familiar face back to the Rebel family. ???? #BrickBy???? #BEaREBEL
— UNLV Track & Field/Cross Country (@UNLVTrackCC) November 20, 2023
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This won’t be Cunningham’s first experience in the track and field world as he’s coached track athletes in two Olympic Games and seven World Championships.
High jumping also runs in his family. His daughter Vashti has won medals at various World Championships and is signed by Nike. His other daughter, Grace, is currently a junior at UNLV, so he will now coach her as she is hopeful for the Olympic Games. His son, Randall, was also a high jumper and won two NCAA national titles at USC.
Cunningham’s No. 12 is the only number retired by the UNLV football program. He’s also a member of the College Football Hall of Fame.
The 60-year-old played in the NFL from 1985 to ’01, spending 11 seasons with the Eagles to begin his career. The four-time Pro Bowler is a member of the Eagles Hall of Fame.