WESTERVILLE, Ohio - Otterbein University has named Rob Purlee as new men’s assistant basketball coach.

Purlee comes to Westerville from Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois, where he served four seasons as men’s head basketball and men’s head golf coach.

“The situation presents a winning formula when you combine Coach Adrian’s past success and the opportunities heading forward for the Otterbein men’s basketball program,” Purlee said. “I would have walked to Westerville if I had to.”

A 2004 graduate of Monmouth College, Purlee spent two seasons at his alma mater as a football and basketball assistant.  He worked as the quarterbacks coach for the Monmouth football program, coaching the top-ranked passer in NCAA Division III in 2005.

Purlee was a four-year starting quarterback and two-year football team captain for Monmouth during his collegiate career, while also competing as a three-year starter and senior captain for the basketball team.

“We have a lot in common,” head coach Todd Adrian said of Purlee. “He’s a student of the game and has gathered a vast amount of knowledge by always talking to others in our profession.”

“His values fit perfectly with what we want to accomplish at Otterbein,” Adrian continued. “He’s a family guy and active within the community, so I think he’ll be great for our staff and players. It’s beneficial any time you can have someone with head coaching experience come and be an assistant.”

Purlee and his wife, Jenna, have two children, soon-to-be four-year old son Carson, and two-year old daughter Kate.