The University of New Mexico has officially locked in its basketball future, announcing a five-year contract extension for head coach Eric Olen that will keep him at the helm through the 2030-31 season. The news came straight from the PIT, where Olen and athletic director Ryan Berryman addressed local media, and it's clear this is more than just a signature on paper—it's a statement of belief in a program on the rise.
Olen's first season was nothing short of remarkable. Taking over a completely new roster and coaching staff, he led the Lobos to a 26-11 record, a third-place finish in the Mountain West Conference, and a deep run to the NIT semifinals. That kind of immediate success doesn't happen by accident, and Berryman didn't mince words about what it means for the program.
"We are incredibly excited that Eric has committed to the Lobos for the long term, and he is well deserving of this contract," Berryman said. "Since his arrival on campus, he has worked tirelessly to enhance UNM's reputation as a basketball power in the West."
The new deal reportedly bumps Olen's average annual salary to around $1.45 million, with retention bonuses locked in for 2026 and 2027. But the investment goes beyond the head coach—the agreement also increases funding for NIL opportunities and staff retention, signaling a commitment to building a sustainable winner in Albuquerque.
"This past year has been an amazing experience for my family and me," Olen said. "The support from this community and the passion of our fan base make the University of New Mexico truly special."
And the numbers back up the excitement. The 2025-26 Lobos set a program record with 3,004 points and finished among the top 50 nationally in both NET and KenPom ratings. Freshman sensation Jake Hall was named Mountain West Freshman of the Year after averaging 16.4 points per game and breaking UNM's single-season record with 117 three-pointers. Meanwhile, forward Tomislav Buljan earned Second Team All-Mountain West honors while leading the conference in rebounding and double-doubles.
With Hall, Uriah Tenette, Chris Howell, and the entire coaching staff expected to return, the momentum is building fast as the 2026-27 season approaches. UNM President Garnett Stokes summed it up best, calling Olen's first season "a testament to exceptional leadership and culture-building," and adding that Lobo Basketball remains "one of the most visible expressions of who we are as a university."
For fans of the Lobos, this extension is more than just a contract—it's a sign that the program's best days might still be ahead.