Gonzaga assistant Donny Daniels leaving for job with Utah

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SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) — Assistant coach Donny Daniels is leaving Gonzaga after nine seasons, the first change on the basketball coaching staff since 2013.

The Spokesman-Review reports that the 64-year-old Daniels plans to join Utah as director of basketball operations, which will reduce his workload since it won't involve recruiting or on-court coaching.

Daniels' time at Gonzaga includes all five of the program's 30-win seasons, two runs to the Elite Eight and the 2017 national title game.

His departure is the first change on the Zags' coaching staff since Brian Michaelson replaced Ray Giacoletti, who departed after the 2013 season to become the head coach at Drake.

Daniels has been an assistant or head basketball coach since 1979 at a variety of programs.