New Mexico Announces Replacement for Rick Pitino's Son After Unexpected Departure

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Max Escarpio | Last updated Mar 30, 2025 3:38 PM ET

New Mexico had another successful college basketball season under the leadership of head coach Richard Pitino, the son of St. John's head coach Rick Pitino.

He led No. 10 seed New Mexico to the round of 32 in the NCAA Tournament, helping the Lobos defeat No. 7 Marquette in the first round before losing to No. 2 Michigan State.

While the Lobos had their best season in more than a decade, winning the Mountain West regular-season title, Richard Pitino left the team in unexpected fashion after its NCAA Tournament run.

Richard Pitino took the role as head coach at Xavier, leaving the Lobos searching for their next head coach. But that search didn't take long.

On Sunday, New Mexico officially announced Eric Olen as the 23rd head coach in program history.

"A NEW CHAPTER OF LOBO BASKETBALL STARTS NOW," posted New Mexico.

A NEW CHAPTER OF LOBO BASKETBALL STARTS NOW!!
@CoachEricOlen is the 23rd head coach of UNM Men's Basketball.

STORY: https://t.co/IuFIusJfsn #505SVF | #GoLobos pic.twitter.com/te82Df2iWo
— Lobo Basketball (@UNMLoboMBB) March 30, 2025

Olen most recently served as the head coach at UC San Diego from 2013-25. He was also a member of the Tritons' assistant coaching staff from 2004-13.

During his time with the Tritons, Olen led UC San Diego to three CCAA regular-season titles and four CCAA Tournament titles as a Division II program.

UC San Diego transitioned to Division I starting with the 2020-21 season. Four seasons later, Olen led the Tritons to their first NCAA Tournament appearance, and they lost 68-65 to the Michigan Wolverines in the first round on March 20.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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