El Paso, TX (My Sportsbook) - Texas-El Paso is apparently interested in Nolan Richardson becoming their next men's basketball coach, as he would replace Jason Rabedeaux, who resigned Monday night.

UTEP athletic director Bob Stull reportedly has left messages with Richardson, who has a 508-206 lifetime mark and led the Razorbacks to the NCAA Tournament 13 times, winning the national championship in 1994 and taking Arkansas to the title game the following season. He guided the team into the postseason in 15 of the last 17 seasons.

Richardson, who graduated UTEP in 1963, coached the Arkansas Razorbacks for 17 years, but was dismissed by the school after a controversy earlier this year.

There were several meetings, but Arkansas President B. Alan Sugg upheld his decision for the dismissal of Richardson. The termination took place on March 1, but Richardson asked privately and publicly to have his contract bought out. He said in late February that if his contract was bought out, he would leave.

Rabedeaux, who replaced the legendary Don Haskins in 1999, cited personal reasons for his desire to step down. Richardson once played for Haskins.

The 37-year-old Rabedeaux led the Miners to a 10-22 mark last season, one year after guiding the school to a 23-9 record and an NIT berth. He became the first UTEP coach to notch 20 wins in his second year at the helm of the program. Rabedeaux compiled a 46-46 record in his three years at UTEP.

UTEP is also reportedly interested in former Chicago Bulls head coach Tim Floyd to fill the vacancy.

The Miners are scheduled to begin the season on November 23 against New Mexico Highlands.

Junsie Cotten and Bobby Champagne, two of Rabedeaux's assistants, are currently running the team.