Russell Vanlandingham comes to OLLU after serving as assistant coach at Texas State University in San Marcos, where in 2008, he helped the team vie for a berth in postseason play; the team missed the playoffs by one game. During that year, he was instrumental in signing four of the top 40 players in Texas in his first recruiting class. It was the most in one class since the school joined the NCAA's Southland Conference. In addition, since coaching at Texas State, the Bobcats have consistently improved their win total from the previous season.

Vanlandingham has had coaching positions at McMurry University in Abilene (2005-2006 and 1996-2001) and West Texas A&M in Canyon (2001-2005). At McMurry, his alma mater, the Indians averaged 97.2 points per game, ranking sixth in NCAA Division III. McMurry's record was 18-9 in 2005-2006 in the American Southwest Conference, and the team advanced to the semifinals of the ASC Tournament. From 1996-2001, the Indians' record was 122-36, and they had five postseason appearances, four ASC West Division titles, two ASC championships and back-to-back berths in the NCAA Division III national tournament. While at West Texas A&M, he helped the Buffaloes to three Lone Star Conference tournament appearances and a 2003 conference title; the team's record was 71-44.

As a player at McMurry, Vanlandingham earned All-Texas honors as a guard and was a member of the Indians' 1993-1994 team, which advanced to the Sweet 16 of the NAIA Division II National Tournament. He led McMurry in assists as both a junior and senior. His 166 assists during the 1993-94 season still ranks as the fourth-most in McMurry history.

Vanlandingham received a bachelor's degree in physical education in 1995 from McMurry University and a master's degree in sports and recreation management in 1999 from Hardin-Simmons University. He is originally from San Antonio, where he attended East Central High School. He and wife, Amber, have three children.