April 17--New Illinois-Chicago men's basketball coach Steve McClain opted for some local flavor in his first hire.
McClain named Downers Grove South graduate Brendan Mullins an assistant coach Friday, the school announced.
Mullins had been on staff at Wright State for the last five years, the last three as an assistant coach.
Mullins' father, Mike Mullins, runs the Illinois Wolves AAU program. His brother, Bryan Mullins, is the director of operations for the Loyola men's program.
"I am excited to have Brendan on the UIC basketball staff," McClain said in a statement. "He brings an intimate knowledge of the Horizon League and the type of high-level energy we need."
McClain was hired in late March to replace Howard Moore, who was 49-111 in five seasons. McClain was an assistant coach at Indiana for five years. Before that he led Wyoming to a 157-115 record and one NCAA tournament appearance in nine seasons.
pskrbina@tribpub.com
