Arizona's assistant basketball coach and interim head coach for the 2007-08 season, Kevin O'Neill has signed to become the assistant athletic director at the U of A. O'Neill took over for hall of fame coach Lute Olson at the beginning of this season after Olson took a personal leave of absence. When Olson announced in March that he will return to his coaching duties, it become evident that O'Neill would no longer be a part of Arizona basketball. It seemed likely that O'Neill would get a head coaching job elsewhere. Now O'Neill will be a part of all Arizona athletics. O'Neill went 19-15 as the Wildcats interim coach, as well as continued Arizona's streak of 24 consecutive tournament appearances, the longest active streak. O'Neill signed a contract that lasts until June 30.I think that this is an excellent move for Arizona to bring back O'Neill, who did a solid job as head coach this year. It was obvious that Olson wouldn't bring O'Neill back to his staff, but now that O'Neill is returning to be a part of Arizona, we might seem they reunite. It would be a perfect situation for Arizona if O'Neill was given the position of being the head recruiter. Not that Olson and the Wildcats need any recruiting help, but it would just make things a little better. For possible incoming recruits it is good to know that you are being contacted first by a proven coach and then by a hall of fame coach. Also, If Olson needs to take another leave, O'Neill is siting their waiting.
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