Eric Olen Named New Head Coach of UNM Lobos Basketball

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Eric Olen has been appointed the new head coach of the University of New Mexico Lobos men’s basketball team, succeeding Richard Pitino, who left to take a position at Xavier. Olen, previously the head coach at UC San Diego, led the Tritons to a remarkable 30-5 record this past season, marking their first NCAA Tournament appearance since becoming eligible as a Division I member.

Olen’s hiring comes at a critical juncture for the Lobos, who finished the last season with a 27-8 record and a Mountain West regular-season championship. His success at UC San Diego has generated excitement among the community, which hopes he can replicate that success in New Mexico.

“We are thrilled to welcome Eric to the Lobos family,” said UNM Athletic Director Fernando Lovo. “He brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success. We believe he has the vision and capability to elevate our program to new heights.”

During his time at UC San Diego, Olen guided the team to a 51-17 overall record over the last two seasons. His leadership was instrumental in the Tritons clinching the Big West Conference title, finishing with an impressive 18-2 in conference play.

The Lobos’ vacancy created a buzz due to the program’s rich tradition and strong fan support. Analysts view the position as a “destination job” in college basketball. The university boasts one of the best home-court advantages in the country and a loyal fan base that consistently fills The PIT.

Under Pitino, the Lobos returned to national relevance, marking a significant turnaround for the program. They achieved a remarkable first-round victory over Marquette in the NCAA Tournament before falling to Michigan State in the second round. It is this momentum that Olen will aim to build upon.

In reference to his aspirations at UNM, Olen stated, “I look forward to the challenge ahead. The University of New Mexico has a storied basketball tradition, and I can’t wait to start working with our players and the community to continue the legacy that has been built here.”

As Olen transitions to Albuquerque, he will quickly face challenges such as roster management, navigation of the transfer portal, and securing commitments from recruits amidst competitive NIL negotiations.

With key roster decisions and upcoming recruiting snafus, Lovo’s decision to hire Olen adds another layer of strategic importance to the future of Lobo basketball. The upcoming season is poised to be an exciting one, as the Lobos look to make a strong push for national contention.

The hire of Olen not only signifies a new era for the Lobos, but it also reflects the potential that New Mexico possesses to reclaim its status as a formidable presence in college basketball.