Rupp accepts Indiana position

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — Kerry Rupp, who served as interim coach at Utah after Rick Majerus stepped down for health reasons and led the Utes to the 2004 MWC Tournament title and a berth in the NCAA Tournament, has been named an assistant coach at Indiana.

Rupp replaces Ben McDonald, who resigned last month to pursue other opportunities, and will work under head coach Mike Davis.

"Kerry's success throughout his career, especially working for a great coach like Rick Majerus, speaks for itself," Davis said. "Kerry is a veteran coach with a tremendous work ethic, and he brings a lot of energy to a program. I am anxious to start working with him."

For Rupp, the opportunity to work at one of the nation's most storied programs was too good to pass up.

"I'm not just a 'Utah guy', I'm a 'basketball guy,' " Rupp said. "I've traveled all over the world and studied many successful coaches and programs. That is why getting the opportunity to work under the direction of coach Davis at Indiana University is truly an honor."

Before becoming an assistant at Utah in 2001, Rupp was a high school coach in Utah for 24 years, including 12 years at East High School as the head coach. When Ray Giacoletti was named as the coach at Utah in March, he chose not to retain Rupp.

Rupp graduated from Cyprus High School and Southern Utah University. He and his wife, Lori, have five children and three grandchildren.