Massimino Accepts a Buyout : UNLV: He agrees to a deal for about $1.9 million. Grgurich is expected to take over.

LAS VEGAS — The tumultuous two-year reign of embattled Nevada Las Vegas basketball Coach Rollie Massimino ended Friday night when he accepted the university’s cash offer to terminate his lucrative and controversial contract, paving the way for the school to pursue former UNLV assistant Tim Grgurich for the now-vacant post.

Massimino will receive $350,000 a year for five years to leave UNLV, pending almost certain approval by the Nevada Board of Regents on Wednesday.

Additional buyout contributions will push the total package to about $1.9 million over the length of the agreement, it was announced at a news conference at the Thomas & Mack Center.

Massimino, who had a record of 36-21 at UNLV, appeared emotional while speaking with reporters.

“It’s been a very long, trying day,” Massimino said. “This university is a great institution.

“I love Las Vegas, believe it or not. Unfortunately, this didn’t work out.”

Massimino said he wants to continue coaching but is unsure what his next move will be.

UNLV Athletic Director Jim Weaver confirmed that the school will seek permission from the Seattle SuperSonics to speak with Grgurich, who is a SuperSonic assistant. Grgurich was former coach Jerry Tarkanian’s top aide for 12 seasons. Sources said the popular Grgurich is the top candidate and that Grgurich has been offered a contract of $250,000 a year for three years.

Grgurich was once charged but not prosecuted by the NCAA Infractions Committee for alleged rules violations at UNLV. If found guilty, he might not have been allowed to coach at an NCAA member institution.

Assistant coaches Tom Massimino, Rollie’s son, and Darwin Cook will continue to receive their salaries and medical benefits until June 30, 1995. Payments to the assistants will stop if they are hired elsewhere.

Without a coach in place, Weaver said the Runnin’ Rebels will not begin practice today, the first day teams are eligible to do so. Despite the delay, Weaver said he believes the team will be ready for its season opener against Marquette on Nov. 28.

Friday’s news conference was markedly different from one held on campus more than two years ago, at which Massimino was introduced as the first coach to follow the often-controversial Tarkanian. UNLV was the subject of several NCAA investigations, sanctions and litigation while Tarkanian guided the school to prominence during 19 years as coach.

Massimino, who led Villanova to the 1985 national championship, had a record of 357-241. He was brought in to help improve the basketball team’s image academically as well as keep the Rebels among the nation’s elite. Massimino embraced this image as a stern proponent of education and said UNLV would not miss a beat under his control.

But Massimino quickly fell out of favor with boosters, university and state officials because the Rebels did not sustain the level of play they did while under Tarkanian, several sources said. Massimino also disappointed many influential Las Vegas boosters because of his lack of visibility in the community, sources added.

UNLV finished 15-13 last season and failed to gain a berth in the NCAA tournament for the second consecutive season. Massimino’s position was further weakened by the revelation he had brokered a secret, supplemental contract with former UNLV and current Long Beach State President Robert Maxson.

The secret deal was to pay Massimino an additional $375,000 on top of his annual salary of $511,000 that was agreed to by the Nevada Board of Regents.

It became clear Monday that UNLV officials had decided not to allow Massimino to coach the Rebels for a third season. Massimino met with UNLV President Kenny Guinn and Weaver to discuss a settlement to leave his position, and an agreement was reached that Massimino would leave, Weaver said.

But talks broke down Wednesday when Massimino refused to accept what sources said was an offer of about $300,000 a year for five years for a total package of about $1.5 million.