April 27, 2004
ATLANTA – John O’Connor, an 11-year veteran as an assistant coach at Drexel and Lafayette, has joined the Georgia Tech men’s basketball program as director of operations, head coach Paul Hewitt announced Tuesday.
O’Connor is responsible for team travel and numerous other administrative duties for the basketball program. He takes over the position from Peter Zaharis, who is now an assistant coach for the Yellow Jackets.
“John is an outstanding basketball coach whom I have known since my first year at Villanova University,” said Hewitt. “I am delighted that he is joining our staff at Georgia Tech.”
“I’m excited for the opportunity to come to Georgia Tech and work for Paul Hewitt,” said O’Connor. “He has built this program into one of the best on the country, and I am thrilled to be a part of it.”
The 44-year-old O’Connor began his coaching career in 1993 as an assistant at Drexel after spending one year as an administrative assistant at Villanova (1992-93). O’Connor spent eight seasons at Drexel (1993-2001) before taking an assistant coaching position at Lafayette for the last three seasons (2001-04).
In his eight seasons at Drexel, O’Connor helped guide the Dragons to three NCAA Tournament appearances and two NIT berths, and Drexel played in five America East Conference championship games.
He spent three of his eight years at Drexel as the top assistant coach, and two of his three seasons at Lafayette in that position. He has also helped develop 30 all-conference players.
O’Connor graduated from Penn State University in 1983 with a bachelor’s degree in health and physical education, and also earned a teaching certificate there.
The Philadelphia, Pa., native is married to the former Fay McColl.
O'Connor FileFull name: John Christopher O'ConnorBirthdate: May 17, 1959 in Philadelphia, Pa.Family: Married to the former Fay McCollEducation: B.S. in Health and Physical Education, 1983, Pennsylvania State UniversityExperience: Administrative Assistant, Villanova (1992-93); Assistant Coach, Drexel (1993-2001);Assistant Coach, Lafayette (2001-2004)Joined Tech Staff: April, 2004
