UNLV Announces New Assistant Coach
Head coach BJ Craig revealed that former collegiate standout Jesse Ortiz will join the program as an assistant coach, bringing a blend of playing experience and coaching credentials from three continents.
Ortiz, who most recently served as head coach of the U19 II side JFV AOBHH in Germany, has spent the last three years navigating the German football landscape both on the pitch and in the dugout.
Prior to his German stint, he led the U18 squad at Rotenburger SV, guiding the team to promotion in the Niedersachsenliga and honing his developmental philosophy.
From Seattle to Lüneburg
A Seattle native, Ortiz played collegiate soccer at Seattle University, where he contributed to back‑to‑back Western Athletic Conference titles and earned a bachelor's degree in strategic communication in 2023.
His professional journey then took him to Germany, where he balanced playing for Rotenburger SV with coaching duties, ultimately securing a UEFA B License from the German Football Association and working toward a UEFA B Youth License from the Scottish FA.
The move to UNLV marks Ortiz's first role in the United States since his graduation, and he expressed enthusiasm about bringing his international recruiting network to the Rebels.
A Coach With a Vision
Craig highlighted Ortiz's reputation as a recruiter, noting that his connections across Mexico, the United States, and Germany will help expand the program's talent pool.
Ortiz will focus on player development, tactical preparation, and the overall growth of the UNLV men's soccer program as it aims for greater success in the coming seasons.