UTRGV names new men's basketball head coach

RIO GRANDE VALLEY, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley announced the hiring of its new men's basketball head coach.

UTRGV announced Friday that Kahlil Fennell will be the new head coach after spending the last two seasons as an assistant coach at BYU.

In a news release from UTRGV, Fennell said he was honored to be selected for the new role.

"I am thrilled to be joining a university and athletic department the caliber of UTRGV’s and I am grateful for the opportunity," Fennell said. "Further, my family and I feel extremely fortunate to become part of the Rio Grande Valley community."

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Fennell helped lead BYU to 19 wins and an appearance in the West Coach Conference Tournament Championship Game in his first season with the program.

Prior to coaching at BYU, Fennell spent four seasons at Louisville as the Director of Basketball Operations before being promoted to assistant coach.

“Today is a great day for UTRGV Athletics and we are thrilled to welcome Coach Fennell as the next next leader of our men’s basketball program,” said Chasse Conque, UTRGV Vice President and Director of Athletics. "Coach Fennell quickly emerged as someone who has an unmatched passion for the game, young people, and community."

Fennell will be formally introduced at a media conference on April 10 at the UTRGV Fieldhouse.