Tim Russo enters his fourth season as assistant coach for the Northern Arizona Men's Basketball program in 2026-27.
 
In his first three seasons at NAU, Russo has played a significant role in leading defensive gameplans. During NAU's CBI season in 2024-25, the Lumberjacks finished fourth in the Big Sky Conference in defense according to KenPom's ratings.

While at NAU, Russo had a substantial hand in the development of Trent McLaughlin and Carson Towt. McLaughlin was the nation's second-leading scorer in 2024-25 and proceeded to play professionally in Lithuania and Croatia, while Towt led the nation in rebounding that same season and is now on the Indianapolis Colts roster. Russo also worked with Isaiah Shaw and Diego Campisano, both of whom shot 47% or better from behind the 3-point line in 2025-26.

Russo arrived in Flagstaff following two seasons (2021-23) at UConn, where he was a graduate assistant. Working closely with the video coordinator, Russo assisted in scouting reports, practice filming and live-coding games in addition to coordination of day-to-day operations for a program that won its fifth National Championship in program history in 2023.

Russo worked closely with several UConn players who would go on to the NBA including first round draft picks Jordan Hawkins (2023, 14th overall), Donovan Clingan (2024, 7th overall) and Alex Karaban (2026, 29th overall).

A graduate of University of Tampa with a bachelor's degree in sports management, Russo got his start at his alma mater as a student assistant coach from 2017-21.