Calhoun: I will sign new deal with UConn
March 12, 2010
STORRS, Conn. (AP)—Connecticut coach Jim Calhoun said Thursday he intendsto sign a new contract with the school that he’s led to two nationalchampionships.
“It is important for me to put the recent questions about my future to restand make it clear that I will be signing a new contract at UConn,” Calhoun saidin a statement. “I plan to continue working hard to get us back to where weexpect to be as a basketball program and hope that this agreement will showpeople that I am committed to the future of UConn basketball.”
ESPN.com reported that Calhoun had reached agreement on a four-year deal,citing a statement released by his agent. UConn athletic director Jeff Hathawaysaid he is excited that Calhoun has decided to stay at the school and looksforward “to having a signed contract in the near future to make it official.”
The Hall of Fame coach will turn 68 in May, took a medical leave of absencein January and missed seven games with an undisclosed condition, promptingspeculation about his future.
The Huskies (17-15) lost on Tuesday in the first round of the Big Easttournament. During his post-game news conference, Calhoun denied a report thatsaid he was he planning to retire. He also confirmed that there was a contractoffer on the table from the school.
“I’m in the business of trying to recruit players to UConn,” Calhoun said.“I love the school, and I still love coaching.”
Calhoun has 822 wins, good enough for seventh in Division I. He is expectedto announce this weekend whether the Huskies will accept an invitation to theNIT.
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