The University of New Mexico has looked to the west for its new head men’s basketball coach following Richard Pitino’s departure last week.
Eric Olen, who served as the head coach for UC San Diego’s men’s basketball program for the past 12 years, has been appointed. Olen is the most successful coach in the school’s history, boasting a 240-119 overall record. He has been part of the program for 21 years, predominantly at the Division II level. In 2021, UC San Diego began its transition to Division I, and in the most recent season, they clinched both the regular season and tournament titles in the Big West conference, earning a spot in the NCAA tournament in their first eligible year.
The Tritons entered the tournament as the 12th seed in the South region but narrowly lost to 5th seed Michigan, 68-65.
“We’re excited to welcome Eric Olen as the new head coach of Lobo Men’s Basketball,” stated UNM Athletic Director Fernando Lovo. “Eric has a proven record of success and is a values-driven leader who prioritizes the well-being of student-athletes. We believe he will bring a lot of energy and vision to our program. Please join me in extending a warm welcome to Eric, his wife Lauren, and their daughters Avery and Madeline — we’re thrilled to have them join the Lobo family in Albuquerque.”
OLEN’S RECORD YEAR-BY-YEAR
- 2013-14: UC San Diego 15-11 (11-11 CCAA)
- 2014-15: UC San Diego 16-11 (14-8 CCAA)
- 2015-16: UC San Diego 24-8 (15-5 CCAA) NCAA Division II West Region Finals
- 2016-17: UC San Diego 27-6 (17-3 CCAA) NCAA Division II West Region Finals
- 2017-18: UC San Diego 21-11 (15-7 CCAA) NCAA Division II West Region Quarterfinals
- 2018-19: UC San Diego 26-8 (17-5 CCAA) NCAA Division II West Region Semifinals
- 2019-20: UC San Diego 30-1 (21-1 CCAA) NCAA Division II No. 1 seed West Regional
- 2020-21: UC San Diego 7-10 (1st season at Division I)
- 2021-22: UC San Diego 13-16
- 2022-23: UC San Diego 10-20 (5-13 Big West)
- 2023-24: UC San Diego 21-12 (15-5 Big West) CBI 1st Round
- 2024-25: UC San Diego 30-5 (18-2 Big West) NCAA Division I 1st Round
OVERALL RECORD (12 years): 240-119 (.669), Conference: 151-60 (.716)
DIVISION I RECORD (5 years): 81-63 (.563), Conference: 38-20 (.655)
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