A two-time National Assistant Coach of the Year is moving from the Hawai’i to UCLA coaching staff.
UCLA head coach John Hawks announced Tuesday that the school has hired Milan Zarkovic to be the new associate head coach.
Zarkovic in 12 seasons with Hawai’i helped guide the Rainbow Warriors to back-to-back NCAA championships in 2021 and 2022 and seven NCAA Tournament appearances. In addition, Zarkovic became one of the first individuals in NCAA history to be a multiple-time winner of the National Assistant Coach of the Year – earning the honor in 2020 and 2023.
“Milan’s extensive experience internationally and domestically, as well as his passion for the game, will be invaluable to our program,” Hawks said in a statement. “Milan has a proven track record of developing elite players and fostering a competitive team culture, which aligns perfectly with our championship aspirations. I look forward to working alongside him as we continue to build on our tremendous legacy here at UCLA.”
Zarkovic before his tenure at Hawai’i served as the head coach of the Belarus Men’s National Team. He also was the head coach of the Serbian Men’s Junior National Team from 2001-13 and guided the country to a bronze medal at the 2011 FIVB U21 World Championship.
The Bruins finished last season one-win short of winning their third consecutive NCAA championship.
UCLA won the MPSF regular season championship and in the NCAA Tournament defeated Belmont Abbey and Hawai’i to reach the NCAA Tournament finals.