Mike Scherer returning to UNLV to coach linebackers

Mike Scherer, defensive coordinator for UNLV football, laughs during an interview in the Fertitta Football Complex on UNLV campus Thursday, June 13, 2024. Photo by: Steve Marcus

Mike Scherer, who spent two seasons as UNLV’s defensive coordinator, is returning to the program to coach linebackers, the university announced Friday afternoon.

Scherer followed former UNLV coach Barry Odom to Purdue last winter, where he spent one season as defensive coordinator and linebackers coach before “voluntarily leaving the program,” according to ESPN.

He returns to Las Vegas to join Dan Mullen’s staff, which struggled defensively last season. The Rebels won 10 games and reached the Mountain West championship despite ranking near the bottom of the league in scoring defense.

By contrast, Scherer’s 2024 UNLV defense ranked first in the conference.

During Scherer’s first stint from 2023-24, UNLV’s defense forced 50 turnovers, with 34 interceptions ranking second nationally over that span. The Rebels’ turnover total ranked fourth in the country, and the team recorded 67 sacks and finished in the top 25 nationally in tackles-for-loss during those combined seasons.

Scherer was announced only as linebackers coach, meaning defensive coordinator Paul Gunther will continue organizing the defense.

The unit improved throughout last season, surrendering just 10 points against both Colorado State and Hawaii and 17 against UNR. That improvement came after giving up 147 points in a three-game stretch against Air Force, New Mexico and Boise State, with the Rebels losing two of those games.