Wildcats Pick Pennell To Serve As Olson's Assistant Coach

Tucson, AZ (AHN) - University of Arizona on Monday announced it has hired Russ Pennell to join coach Lute Olson at the Wildcats' sidelines for next season.

The 47-year-old Pennell, who will serve as the team's assistant coach, was Arizona State's assistant mentor from 1998-2006 and was a radio analyst for the Sun Devils radio network in the 2007-08 season.

"I'm just really excited to be working with a Hall of Fame coach in Lute Olson and a program with such a storied history," Pennell told WildcatInsider.com. "I'm looking forward to getting the program back to the level that the fans in Tucson and throughout the state have come to expect. This is a wonderful opportunity for me and my family."

Pennell will replace the post vacated by Kevin O'Neill and will help Olson improve on the team's 19-15 finish last season, including 8-10 in the Pac-10.

"We're happy to be adding a coach like Russ to our staff with his wealth of experience," said Olson. "He is an outstanding coach, a hard worker and a wonderful family man. I'm sure Russ and his family will fit into the Tucson community very nicely."