Ian Russell, originally from Lancaster, California, became the assistant coach for the Spartan men's basketball team’s in August 2023.

Prior to joining Southwestern's athletic department, Russell was assistant coach at Montana State University-Northern in Havre, Montana. In this position, he aided in every aspect of the program from practice and game preparations to game plan, operation, recruitment, etc. He was the forwards coach for individuals and the team ended the season with a 19-11 record, finishing tied for second in the Frontier Conference. They had three wins against ranked opponents.

Prior to his stint at MSU-Northern, Russell was the assistant coach at Wenatchee Valley College in Wenatchee, Washington.

Russell has a Bachelor of Arts degree in religious education from West Coast Baptist College in Lancaster, California.