Victoria Gonzalez | Vaquero Radio
UTRGV President Guy Bailey (left), Men’s Basketball Head coach Kahil Fennell, Head Football coach Travis Bush, Edinburg Mayor Ramiro Garza Jr. and Vice President and Director of Athletics Chasse Conque sign V’s up in honor of welcoming Kahil Fennell to UTRGV.
The UTRGV Department of Intercollegiate Athletics welcomed Kahil Fennell as the new men’s basketball head coach during a press conference April 10 at the UTRGV Fieldhouse.
The decision came forth after previous head coach Matt Figger mutually agreed to part ways on March 19 from UTRGV.
Fennell spoke about the type of coaching style he is planning to bring to the court.
“If our guys feel loved, if they feel cared for, if they feel developed, if they feel like they’re taught something, and held to a standard, I think the wins will follow,” he said.
Fennell debuted his collegiate coaching career at UT Permian Basin as assistant coach in 2015, then he was promoted to associate head coach in 2016.
In 2018 he worked for the University of Louisville as the Director of Basketball Operations and in 2021 he was promoted to assistant coach.
Before getting to UTRGV, Fennell was a men’s basketball assistant coach at Brigham Young University.
UTRGV President Guy Bailey said he was really impressed and amazed with Fennell’s character because his values align with the Rio Grande Valley; which is hard work, family and gratitude.
Bailey said Fennell is going to be able to envision basketball differently and do great things.
“I can’t tell you how excited I am to be able to watch what he does,” Bailey said. “I think you’re going to look back on this day a few years from now and say, ‘Wow, what a great choice.’”
Vice President and Director of Athletics Chasse Conque said Fennell checked off every box an outstanding basketball coach should have which is love for student athletes, passion, good pedigree and emotion.
Conque said it did not take him long to realize how passionate Fennell is for basketball.
“But furthermore, he has a passion and a respect for the game and that it helps young people and what it can do for student athletes and young people’s lives,” he said.
This is Victoria Gonzalez for Vaquero Radio.
