New Mexico hires UC San Diego's Eric Olen

New Mexico found its successor for Xavier-bound Richard Pitino in the form of UC San Diego head coach Eric Olen, Lobos vice president and athletics director Fernando Lovo announced Sunday.

Olen guided UC San Diego to the 2025 NCAA Tournament in its first year of eligibility and amassed a 51-17 record across the last two seasons with the program. The Tritons went 18-2 this year and won the Big West Conference tournament to secure an automatic bid.

"We're thrilled to welcome Eric Olen as the new head coach of Lobo men's basketball," Lovo said in a statement. "Eric is a proven winner with an incredible track record.

"Beyond the accolades and success on the court, he is a values-driven leader who puts student-athletes first. We're confident he'll bring tremendous energy and vision to our program."

Olen spent 12 seasons as head coach at UC San Diego after nine years as an assistant with the program.

The Tritons were narrowly defeated by Michigan 68-65 in their first-ever March Madness following a four-year transitionary period.

The Lobos reached the NCAA Tournament in each of the last two seasons. They most recently bowed out in the second round at the hands of Michigan State after topping Marquette in the first round.