UCSD's Eric Olen Poached After Leading Tritons to First NCAA Tournament

UC San Diego head basketball coach Eric Olen is set to begin a new chapter at New Mexico after an impressive run with the Tritons. In 2025, Olen guided the team to their first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance during their inaugural season of Division I eligibility. His leadership helped secure the Big West conference title, and he finished the season with a stellar 30-5 record, drawing significant attention from larger programs.

After a successful 12-year tenure at UCSD, where he also oversaw the transition from Division II to Division I, Olen has reportedly agreed to a five-year deal at New Mexico, potentially elevating his salary from $485,000 to as much as $1.2 million. This move, announced around March 30, 2025, positions him to replace Richard Pitino and marks a new milestone in his coaching career.