Arizona names Pennell interim coach

Oct 24, 2008 - 9:04 PM TUCSON, Arizona (Ticker) -- Arizona on Friday named assistant coach Russ Pennell as the interim coach of the men's basketball team, replacing legendary coach Lute Olson.

Olson announced Thursday that he was retiring as coach of the Wildcats after an illustrious 25-year tenure, leaving Pennell some big shoes to fill.

During his time in Tucson, Olson built Arizona into one of the nation's elite programs. He owns a 589-188 record with the Wildcats. Olson, who has 780 career wins, guided Arizona to the 1997 national title.

Pennell, who was hired by Olson in May, was most recently an AAU coach in Phoenix and a radio broadcaster for Arizona State.

"This is an exciting opportunity for me," Pennell said. "I look forward to the challenge of leading this program. As the son of a former coach and one who has spent his life around the game of basketball, I'm humbled to get a chance to lead such a storied program."

The 47-year-old Pennell also served on the Sun Devils' coaching staff for eight seasons from 1998-2006.

"Russ is a veteran assistant coach with a wealth of coaching experience," Arizona athletic director Jim Livengood said. "His experience of working in three of the best basketball conferences in the nation will serve us well."

Associate head coach Mike Dunlap and assistant coach Reggie Geary will remain in their current positions under Pennell.

ESPN.com reported early Friday that Dunlap turned down an offer to replace Olson on an interim basis.

According to the report, Livengood is expected to reach out and gauge the interest of Gonzaga's Mark Few and Pittsburgh's Jamie Dixon.