Here’s the official release from Western Michigan on the hiring of Kahil Fennell as their new head men’s basketball coach:
Western Michigan University Vice President/Director of Athletics Dan Bartholomae has announced the hiring of Kahil Fennell as the new head coach of the WMU Men’s Basketball program. Fennell will be formally introduced as the 16th head coach in the history of the Bronco men’s basketball program on Monday, March 23, at 5:30 pm at the construction site of the Kalamazoo Event Center.
Fennell arrives in Kalamazoo following a successful tenure at UTRGV. He has quickly established himself as one of the rising leaders in college basketball, guiding a team with six wins prior to his arrival to one of Division I’s largest turnarounds with 16 and 19 wins over the past two seasons, respectively. Most recently, he was named a finalist for the prestigious Ben Jobe National Coach of the Year award, presented annually to the top minority head coach in Division I men’s basketball.
“As we set out to find our next head coach, we sought a leader who not only had experience working with some of basketball’s finest programs and coaches, but one who had also led his own program to new heights at the Division I level,” WMU Vice President and Director of Athletics Dan Bartholomae said. “We also sought someone who would be a great community partner as we prepare for the most transformative event in the history of our athletics program. There is no question that Western Michigan University and the entire Southwest Michigan Community has found that leader in Kahil. His track record of recruiting, developing and connecting with student-athletes stood out, and his vision and leadership acumen was unmatched. It is exciting to welcome him, Sarah, Ezra and Koa to Bronco Nation.”
Fennell has built a reputation as a dynamic recruiter, player developer and program builder. At UTRGV, he has never had a losing record and inspired a transformation that elevated the program’s competitiveness and instilled a culture centered on toughness and accountability. His teams have been recognized for their style of play, defensive intensity and ability to compete at a high level within their conference.
Beyond the court, Fennell has emphasized academic achievement and holistic development, ensuring his student-athletes succeed in the classroom and make meaningful impacts in their communities.
“I would like to thank President Russ Kavalhuna, Athletic Director Dan Bartholomae and Deputy Athletic Director Elaine Russell for the honor of naming me Head Coach of the Men’s Basketball program at Western Michigan,” Fennell said. “I am incredibly grateful for their support and excited to work alongside them towards our collective goal of building a championship program. The entire athletic department of WMU has achieved unprecedented success in recent years and I am extremely motivated to continue to drive their championship standards. My family and I are also thrilled to be joining the Kalamazoo community and look forward to representing the people within it. It’s a tremendous time to be a part of this university and my staff and I cannot wait to get started. GO BRONCOS!”
Fennell brings a diverse and accomplished coaching résumé, having worked at multiple levels of Division I basketball and alongside some of the game’s most respected coaches.
Prior to becoming head coach at UTRGV in April 2024, Fennell served on the BYU Cougars men’s basketball staff under Mark Pope. During the 2023-24 season, he played an instrumental role in helping BYU transition to the Big 12 Conference, where the Cougars exceeded expectations, finishing fifth after being picked 13th in the preseason poll. BYU posted a 23-11 overall record, went 10-8 in league play, and earned a No. 6 seed in the NCAA Tournament. Under his guidance, Jaxson Robinson was named Big 12 Sixth Man of the Year.
Fennell also spent four seasons at the University of Louisville, working under Chris Mack. He was elevated to assistant coach in April 2021 after serving three seasons as the program’s director of operations. During his time in Louisville, the Cardinals compiled a 70-47 overall record and consistently competed in the ACC. The program recorded 20 or more wins in two consecutive seasons, advanced to the NCAA Tournament in 2018-19, and continued a streak of 15 consecutive seasons with at least eight conference wins.
Earlier in his career, Fennell spent one season with the Portland State Vikings men’s basketball team, helping guide the program to a 20-14 record — its highest win total in over a decade — along with a program-record 10 road victories and a postseason appearance.
Fennell began his coaching career at UT Permian Basin from 2015-17 under Head Coach Andy Newman, where the Falcons captured the Lone Star Conference regular season and tournament championships in 2016-17. That season, UT Permian Basin won a program-record 26 games and led the nation in rebounding.
Fennell brings a unique professional background to his coaching career. Prior to entering collegiate athletics, he spent 10 years as a rising star in the medical device sales industry, developing a strong foundation in leadership, relationship building, and organizational management — skills that have translated seamlessly into his success as a coach, recruiter and program leader.
A native of California, Fennell played one season at Penn State New Kensington, before transferring to the University of Redlands, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in History. He played three seasons and served as team captain his season year.
Fennell and his wife, Sarah, a former collegiate basketball student-athlete at the University of Dayton, have two sons, Ezra (12) and Koa (11).
Fennell will be introduced at an official Press Conference on Monday, March 23, at 5:30 pm at the construction site of the Kalamazoo Event Center. The press conference is open to the public. Gates will open at 5 pm. Parking is available at the Radisson Plaza Hotel Parking Deck. Attendees should wear proper footwear for an active construction site.
Following the press conference, fans are invited to continue the celebration at Burdick’s, located inside the Radisson, for a reception and the Bronco Coaches Show, welcoming Coach Fennell and his family.
