O'Neill moved with department

University of Arizona athletics director Jim Livengood announced today that Kevin O’Neill has been reassigned to duties within the athletic department for the remainder of the fiscal year.

O’Neill, 51, who had served as interim men’s basketball coach during the 2007-08 season while head coach Lute Olson took a personal leave of absence, will serve as an assistant to the athletics director until June 30.

“Kevin and I will sit down in mid-June to determine the next step,” Livengood said.

Olson held a news conference April 1 to announce his return to head coaching duties. O’Neill’s reassignment opens a vacancy on the men’s basketball staff.

During his service as interim head coach, O’Neill guided Arizona to a 19-15 record and a berth in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championships. It was the school’s 24th consecutive tournament appearance, the nation’s longest active streak.