Mike Scherer is back at UNLV, this time as linebackers coach under defensive coordinator Paul Guenther. Scherer spent one season at Purdue as defensive coordinator under former Rebels coach Barry Odom before returning to Las Vegas.
“Just being able to come up with some things that maybe they thought was needed last year and then expand on things and find the right pieces for the players we have,” Scherer said. “How they work and mix together. It has been awesome to work with (Guenther) and learn from him.”
Guenther welcomed the addition: “(Scherer) has been good to have around. He has been around and understands the environment and knows some of the players. He has been a good addition.”
Defense making strides
UNLV held its second spring scrimmage on Friday, and the defense showed clear improvement from the previous week. The unit that ended the 2025 season far stronger than it began is building momentum.
Scherer noted the difference between a defense’s first and second year under a coordinator. Players know assignments better and execute the scheme more smoothly. Last spring, Guenther didn’t take over until mid-spring, putting the defense behind. This year is different.
“It’s really about going back and saying, ‘OK, what worked and what didn’t work?’” Scherer said. “We’ve added a lot more variety than what they had last year. They were in a situation last year where a lot of new teaching had to happen, so now that we know where we’re going to be from both a coaching and players standpoint, you can put a little more stress into the scheme to do what we want once the season comes.”
The linebacker room has been bolstered by transfers Cam Santee (Holy Cross) and Dee Crayton (Clemson). Santee, a 6-foot-3, 235-pounder, excels in zone coverage and is a vocal communicator at the line of scrimmage.
Scherer described Santee as a smart, confident player with great length who can run and knows his role. Santee said: “Some of the kinks we had during our first scrimmage, we were able to smooth out today. We were really getting after it, which was good to see.”
Scherer previously helped build one of UNLV’s most successful defenses during a two-year span that saw 20 wins and consecutive bowl appearances. He cited family and sunshine as reasons for returning: “It’s great to be back. It’s awesome. My family loves Las Vegas. We love the sunshine.”
