TUCSON, Dec. 7 (UPI) -- Arizona men's basketball coach Lute Olson has extended his leave of absence though the 2007-08 season.
The 73-year-old Olson left the Wildcats in early November just before the season started for reasons not fully disclosed.
"After consulting my family, I have decided to extend my leave of absence for the remainder of the current basketball season," he said in a statement late Thursday. "I do this with great reluctance because I care greatly about the University of Arizona, the basketball program and the players on this team. But there are personal issues within my family that need to be addressed and I must devote my full energy to that."
He has a 780-280 career record at Arizona, Iowa, and Long Beach State.
His 589-187 record with the Wildcats includes the 1997 national championship, four Final Four appearances, 11 Pac-10 titles and 20 consecutive 20-win seasons.
Assistant Kevin O'Neill will continue to coach the 5-2 Wildcats in Olson's absence.
