After taking a season-long leave of absence, Hall of Fame coach Lute Olson will return to Arizona for the 2008-09 season, the university announced this Monday.
Olson decided within the past week, after his time away under the Family Medical Leave Act expired last Friday, that he would resume coaching the Wildcats as soon as their current season is complete. "We are delighted that Lute will be rejoining the program," Arizona athletic director Jim Livengood said in a statement. "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."
Olson
Through a spokesperson, Olson said he plans to coach through the end of his contract, which expires in 2011. "I am very eager to be back doing what I love, which is coaching this team," Olson said in a statement. "I appreciate everyone's support during this period and want to thank [interim coach] Kevin O'Neill for the great job he's done in my absence." Arizona's staff and players were informed of Olson's decision on Monday. According to an Arizona representative, once Olson completed his medical leave, he had the right to return to his job. Olson will turn 74 next season. Olson had a medical condition during his leave of absence that he had to resolve this season, according to details of Arizona's news release. "
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