University of New Mexico Head Men’s Basketball Coach Eric Olen has agreed to a new five-year contract, extending his tenure in Albuquerque through the 2030-31 season, Vice President and Director of Athletics Ryan Berryman announced on May 11.
The announcement comes after a notable first season for Olen, who led the Lobos to a 26-11 overall record and a third-place finish in the Mountain West Conference. The team reached the semifinals of the National Invitational Tournament despite having no returning student-athletes or staff members from the previous year.
“We are incredibly excited that Eric has committed to the Lobos for the long-term and he is well-deserving of this contract,” said Berryman. “Since his arrival on campus, he has worked tirelessly to enhance UNM’s reputation as a basketball power in the West and his success this past season despite having no returning student-athletes is indicative of his leadership. We are excited about the future of Lobo Basketball under Coach’s leadership, and I look forward to seeing him, his wife, Lauren, and his daughters in The Pit – Powered by Nusenda for the foreseeable future.”
Olen reflected on his first year with appreciation: “This past year has been an amazing experience for me and my family. It’s an honor to lead this program and walking down the ramp on game day is something I will never take for granted. The support from this community and passion of our fan base make the University of New Mexico a truly special place. I appreciate everyone that helped make year one so memorable and I’m excited to build on that foundation. Thank you to Ryan Berryman, President Stokes and the entire administration for their confidence in our staff. We will continue to work every day to make Lobo Nation proud.”
During Olen’s debut season, UNM set a school record by scoring 3,004 points with three freshmen averaging double-digit points per game. Jake Hall was named Mountain West Freshman of the Year while also earning First Team All-Mountain West honors as a freshman—a conference first—and Tomislav Buljan led in rebounding (10.3 per game) as well as double-doubles (17), earning Second Team honors.
UNM President Garnett Stokes commented on Olen’s impact: “What Eric accomplished this season — building a 26-win program from the ground up, with no returning players, no returning staff — is a reflection of exceptional leadership and culture-building. Lobo Basketball is one of the most visible expressions of who we are as a university, and I’m grateful that Eric and his family are committed to this community for years to come.”
Looking ahead to next season, all coaching staff members will return along with key players Hall, Uriah Tenette (10.6 points per game), and Chris Howell (5.5 points per game). Hall’s combined scoring average with Tenette ranks highest among any pair of returning freshmen nationally.
Olen was appointed head coach at UNM on March 30, 2025 after leading UC San Diego through its transition from Division II into Division I competition—including an NCAA Tournament appearance during their first eligible year.
His new agreement adds one additional year compared with previous terms; it includes retention bonuses totaling $200,000 over two years starting May 2026 plus increased base compensation—raising average annual pay from $1.3 million under prior terms up to $1.45 million now—as part of broader investments into both student-athlete NIL resources as well as support staff compensation.
