Pennell became the interim head coach on October 24, when Olson announced his surprise retirement for medical reasons.
On April 7, Arizona signed Xavier men's basketball coach Sean Miller to a 5-year, $11-million contract, ending Pennell's tenure with the Wildcats.
[4] On April 9, 2009, Pennell was hired as head coach of the men's basketball team at Division II Grand Canyon University, a member of the Pacific West Conference.
[6] On August 8, 2013, the Phoenix Mercury announced the hiring of Pennell as interim head coach following the firing of Corey Gaines.
[8] On March 5, 2014, news broke that Pennell was expected to be named the next head coach of men's basketball at Central Arkansas.