Albuquerque, N.M. – The University of New Mexico officially welcomed Eric Olen as the 23rd head coach of Lobo men’s basketball on April 1, 2025, marking the start of an exciting new chapter for the program.

A Rapid Rebuild Under Fernando Lovo

UNM President Garnett Stokes opened the press conference with a lighthearted remark: “We have to stop meeting like this.” And for good reason—over the past four months, the Lobos have undergone a major transformation.

Lovo, who took over as Athletic Director on Dec. 2, wasted no time in making bold moves. By Dec. 17, he had hired Jason Eck as the new football coach. Now, with the introduction of Olen, Lovo has completed his second high-profile coaching search, setting the foundation for a promising future.

“This is an exciting new chapter for our storied program. We are building something special,” said Lovo, who, despite his short tenure, already speaks like a seasoned veteran.

photo courtesy of UNM Athletics

A Proven Winner Arrives in Albuquerque

Olen, one of the most sought-after names in this year’s coaching carousel, comes to UNM after leading UC San Diego to a historic 30-win season and an NCAA Tournament appearance.

His ability to build and sustain success made him an attractive candidate for the Lobos, who were searching for a leader to continue the momentum left by former head coach Richard Pitino.

Olen expressed gratitude for the foundation Pitino and his staff laid, acknowledging their success while emphasizing his own vision for the future.

“This is a championship program,” Olen stated. “Richard Pitino and his staff did a terrific job, and they’ve been great in trying to help us hit the ground running. They’ve set the bar really high.”

photo courtesy of UNM Athletics

A Modern Approach to the Game

Olen is known for his dynamic offensive system, which prioritizes spacing, ball movement, and three-point shooting. His UCSD teams averaged nearly 80 points per game and ranked among the nation’s best in efficiency from beyond the arc.

“We set a lot of ball screens,” Olen explained. “I believe we’ve been in the top five or top 10 in the country in ball screen frequency over the last several years. But we don’t just rely on one individual; we mix up who’s involved in the actions.”

Defensively, Olen’s teams are aggressive, creating turnovers and dictating tempo. Last season, UCSD ranked second nationally in turnover rate and boasted a top-tier defensive efficiency ranking.

photo courtesy of UNM Athletics

The Contract and Expectations

Olen inked a five-year, $6.5 million contract with UNM, starting at $1.2 million in his first year with annual raises of $50,000.

The deal includes performance-based incentives, such as $25,000 for a Mountain West title and $50,000 for each NCAA Tournament win.

The contract runs through March 31, 2030, underscoring UNM’s long-term investment in Olen’s leadership.

He was chosen over veteran coach Andy Kennedy, signaling a commitment to a younger, rising star in the coaching ranks.

A Vision for the Future

With his staff to assemble and a roster to shape, Olen embraces the challenges ahead. His hiring, along with Lovo’s appointment of Jason Eck in football, signals a cultural shift in UNM Athletics—one that prioritizes innovation, player development, and championship aspirations.

“Eric Olen is one of the elite offensive minds in college basketball. New Mexico didn’t just hit a double or triple with this hire—it hit a home run,” said CBS Sports analyst Jon Rothstein.

With a forward-thinking approach and a track record of success, Olen has the tools to take Lobo basketball to new heights. Backed by AD Fernando Lovo’s bold leadership and President Garnett Stokes’ unwavering support, the Lobos are poised for an exciting era.

The future of Lobo basketball is bright, and for Lobo Nation, the best is yet to come.

photo courtesy of UNM Athletics