The architect of UC San Diego’s magical basketball season that came within a rimmed-out 3-pointer from taking mighty Michigan to overtime in the NCAA Tournament has been hired by New Mexico. The Union-Tribune reported Saturday that he was a finalist for the job, and the Albuquerque Journal first reported Sunday morning that he got it.

UC San Diego men's basketball coach Eric Olen is leaving the school to become coach at the University of New Mexico and will be replaced by associate head coach Clint Allard, school officials announced Sunday.

The architect of UCSD’s 30-5 record and NCAA Tournament berth in the program’s first season of Division I eligibility is a finalist for the vacancy at New Mexico

Eric Olen accepted UNM's offer to be the 23rd Lobo men's basketball coach on Saturday night. The former UC San Diego coach accepted a five-year offer of $6.5 million — starting a $1.2 million this season to coach the Lobos. Olen replaces Richard Pitino, who left UNM for Xavier after four years.

The New Mexico men’s basketball team has found a replacement for departed head coach Richard Pitino. According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, the Lobos and UC San Diego’s Eric Olen have agreed to a five-year contract.

Eric Olen took over as UC San Diego’s head basketball coach in 2013. A few years later the Tritons began their transition from Division II to Division I. At the time UCSD Athletics Director Earl Edwards said he believed he had the right coaches in place to make his teams compete quickly.

Coach Olsen praised former coach Richard Pitino in his introductory news conference, acknowledging the foundation for success he built over the past four years.

Eric Olen has been hired as the new men's basketball coach at New Mexico, leaving UC San Diego after five seasons. He takes over for Richard Pitino, who left Albuquerque to take the opening at Xavier last week.

Olen's team broke through with 30 wins this season and reached the NCAA Tournament, losing to Michigan in the first round.