TUCSON, Oct. 29 (UPI) -- Arizona basketball Coach Lute Olson, who announced his retirement last week, was advised to do so because he had suffered a stroke, his doctor said.
Olson, 74, who coached the Wildcats for a quarter-century, had a stroke in the front part of his brain that caused depression and changes in judgment, Dr. Steven Knope said.
The stroke was confirmed after Olson had an MRI and other exams because he had not responded to treatment for depression, Knope said.
The coach is believed to have suffered the stroke within the past year, the doctor said.
"I can't tell you how disappointed he is that he can't be here," Knope said at a Tuesday news conference in Tucson. "He is frankly devastated and this is something that is simply beyond his control. This is not an issue of character strength or weakness or someone who just couldn't muster the strength to do one more season."
Olson announced his retirement Thursday. He was succeeded by Russ Pennell, who was named interim coach.
Arizona won the national championship in 1997 and reached the Final Four four times under Olson. His record with the Wildcats is 589-187. His career record, which included stints at Iowa and Long Beach State, is 780-280.
