UConn head coach Jim Calhoun will take a medical leave of absence from coaching the team, according to a statement released on UConnHuskies.com
According to Calhoun's doctor, who is quoted in the statement, the leave is not related to any previous medical issues, and refers to current medical issues as "temporary". The report does not mention a timeline for Calhoun's return.
Associate Head Coach George Blaney will take over coaching responsibilities for the team.
Obviously this is going to have huge ramifications for the outlook for this year's team. We'll update as more info becomes available.
Update 5:08 p.m.: According to a report from ESPN.com, UConn spokesman Kyle Muncy has said that the leave is not related to Calhoun's heart or to cancer.
Full statement from UConn's website after the jump.
Jan. 19, 2010
STORRS, Conn. - University of Connecticut Head Men's Basketball Coach Jim Calhounwill take a medical leave of absence from his head coach position, effective immediately, it was announced Tuesday.
The following is a statement from University of Connecticut Health Center physician Peter Schulman, M.D., Jim Calhoun's primary care physician:
"It is my recommendation that Coach Calhoun take a medical leave from his coaching position to address some temporary medical issues, none of which involve any previous medical conditions that he has dealt with."The following is a statement from UConn Director of Athletics Jeffrey A. Hathaway:
"Our primary concern is Coach Calhoun's health and his complete recovery. We will do everything possible to support Coach during this time. Jim and I both know that the men's basketball program is in very capable hands under the leadership of Associate Head Coach George Blaney."