On March 30, the Greater Albuquerque Chamber and Lobo Land welcomed a major announcement from University of New Mexico Vice President and Director of Athletics, Fernando Lovo. Eric Olen has been appointed as the 23rd head coach of the Lobo men’s basketball team.
Olen has joined the University of New Mexico from UC San Diego. At UC San Diego, he significantly developed the Tritons, transitioning them from a Division II team to a Division I team, culminating in their first NCAA Tournament appearance in 2025.
"We’re thrilled to welcome Eric Olen as the new head coach of Lobo Men’s Basketball," Lovo remarked. "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. Please join me in giving a warm welcome to Eric, his wife Lauren, and their daughters Avery and Madeline — we’re excited to have them join the Lobo family here in Albuquerque."
Terri Cole, President and CEO of the Greater Albuquerque Chamber, commented on the appointment: "We at the Chamber want to congratulate President Garnett Stokes and Athletics Director Fernando Lovo on making such a quick and high-quality hire in new head basketball Coach Eric Olen, who has a proven history of success on the court and with his student-athletes. Here’s to another winning Lobos season!"
Chamber Chairman of the Board Del Esparza also praised Olen's past accomplishments: at UC San Diego, Olen "provided both stability and the ability to move the program to the next level. During his 21 years at the school, he took the team from Division I to Division II, won the Big West Tournament in their championship debut and made it to March Madness in the school’s first year of eligibility. We’re looking forward to him bringing that leadership to UNM."
Olen holds a record as the all-time winningest coach in UC San Diego's history with 240 wins and 119 losses. Expressing his enthusiasm for the new role, he stated, "I am honored to be the next head coach of New Mexico men’s basketball. I want to thank President Stokes, Fernando Lovo and the UNM leadership team for this opportunity. This is one of the most special programs in college basketball, and my family and I are thrilled to be a part of Lobo Nation! I can’t wait to get to work and write the next great chapter in New Mexico basketball history."
Eric Olen’s recent achievements include a remarkable 2024-25 season at UC San Diego. He earned titles such as Big West Coach of the Year and NABC Pacific District Coach of the Year. Before his position as head coach, Olen served as an assistant coach at UC San Diego for nine years. Originally from Mobile, Alabama, he played college basketball at Spring Hill College, leading his team to three consecutive NAIA National Tournament appearances.
