Olson to return to Arizona

Mar 10, 2008 - 7:29 PM TUCSON, Arizona (Ticker) -- Lute Olson, who has been on a leave of absence since November, will return as Arizona coach next season, the school announced Monday.

The 73-year-old Olson stepped away from the program on November 4 and was replaced on a interim basis by assistant Kevin O'Neill.

Olson indicated that he wanted to return after his divorce with his second wife, Christine, was made public on December 8. On Monday, he made his return official.

Olson, who has coached at Arizona for 24 seasons, said his leave was necessitated by a medical condition that was not life-threatening.

"I know there has been a lot of speculation about my situation," he said. "I'm glad that we can clear the air, but the most important thing right now is the team."

With an 18-13 record and 8-10 mark in the Pac-10 Conference, Arizona's string of 23 consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances is in jeopardy. This is the first time the Wildcats have finished at .500 or below in the Pac-10 since Olson's first season.

According to a report on Foxsports.com. Olson intends to fulfill his contract, which runs through 2011.

"I am very eager to be back doing what I love, which is coaching this team," he said. "I appreciate everyone's support during this period and want to thank Kevin O'Neill for the great job he's done in my absence."

O'Neill will continue to coach the Wildcats in the Pac-10 tournament, which begins Wednesday.

Olson, who has a mark of 589-187 at Arizona, is 20 wins shy of 800 in his 34-year coaching career. He guided the Wildcats to the national championship in 1997 and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2002.

"He is one of the true legends of collegiate coaching and his return is something that I know will be embraced by everyone who cares about our basketball program," Arizona athletic director Jim Livengood said.

Arizona already has announced that O'Neill will replace Olson when he retires.