Jerry Tarkanian, a Hall of Fame basketball coach who led the Long Beach State and UNLV programs to exceptional levels of success over a distinguished 31-year career, including the 1990 NCAA national championship with the Runnin’ Rebels, passed away Wednesday at the age of 84.

Known as “Tark The Shark,” Tarkanian led UNLV to four Final Fours (1977, 1987, 1990, 1991), with the 1990 squad setting a record margin of victory – 30 points – in a national championship game, 103-73 over Duke.  His UNLV teams won a record seven PCAA/Big West tournament championships, and reeled off 10 consecutive regular season crowns (1982-83 to 1991-92).

He compiled a Division I coaching record of 784-202 while at Long Beach State, UNLV, and Fresno State, and his career winning percentage of .784 ranks 10th all-time in NCAA history.  He recorded 122 wins in five seasons with the 49ers, owning the program record for career victories for four decades.

Tarkanian was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame on Sept. 8, 2013, in recognition of his significant achievements as a basketball coach.