THE SIDELINES : UNLV Reported to Hire Coach

Notre Dame offensive coordinator Jim Strong has been named the football coach at Nevada-Las Vegas, a source reported today.

A source who asked not to be identified confirmed that Strong had been given the job. He is expected to receive a five-year contract at a reported $95,000 annually.

Strong is scheduled to be introduced at a news conference Saturday.

Strong and Cal State-Fullerton coach Gene Murphy were reported to be the two finalists for the post.

A 17-member search committee chaired by Athletic Director Brad Rothermel had spent the past month interviewing candidates for the job.

Strong replaces Wayne Nunnely, who resigned under pressure last month following a second consecutive 4-7 season.