BYU Basketball Assistant Kahil Fennell Accepts Head Coaching Job at UTRGV

On Friday, BYU assistant coach Kahil Fennell accepted the position of head basketball coach at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. Fennell spent two years on BYU's staff under head coach Mark Pope. Fennell was a major reason why BYU took a step forward last season, particularly on defense. Fennell was in charge of BYU's defensive scheme. Following the announcement, BYU head coach Mark Pope released a statement.

“I’m so excited for Kahil and the opportunity he has as the head coach at UTRGV," Pope said. "His fingerprints are all over the success that we have had as a program over the past two seasons. Kahil, Sarah, Ezra and Koa were instrumental in our wildly successful journey into the Big 12 where we finished fifth in the toughest men’s basketball conference in the country and returned to the NCAA Tournament. This is a great opportunity for him and I look forward to his future success.”

Coach Fennell, who came to BYU after a four-year stint at Louisville, also played an important role for BYU on the recruiting trail. His ability to relate to players and help them adapt to the BYU experience will be missed.

UTRGV is a member of the WAC. Coach Fennell will have to completely rebuild that program. Last season, the Vaqueros were one of the worst teams in division one. UTRGV finished 6-25 on the season and 2-18 in conference play. They finished the season on a 14-game losing streak and won only one road game.

With Fennell's departure, BYU basketball is in the market for another assistant coach.