Lute Olson, who coached the Arizona Wildcats for 24 seasons from 1983 to 2008, died on Thursday at age 85, as per an announcement from the University of Arizona.
Olson led the Wildcats to the 1997 national championship and coached his team to three extra Final Four appearances. Olson won national Coach of the Year respects five times.
Olson had 781 career coaching wins, with a record of 589-187 at Arizona. Olson was drafted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2002.
University of Arizona Director of Athletics Dave Heeke said in an announcement, “Coach (Olson) was an iconic figure in college basketball who put the University of Arizona’s basketball program on the map. Yet his legacy extends well beyond the court. He impacted thousands of lives, inspiring young men to reach beyond their potential and instilling service to others as a cornerstone of a person’s character. He will be greatly missed by all who love the University of Arizona.”
“Lute Olson was so much more than a basketball coach,” said University of Arizona President Robert C. Robbins. “He was an educator, a motivator, a husband, a father, a grandfather and a friend to so many. He was a true leader in every sense of the word and displayed such integrity and compassion in every endeavor. While Coach will no longer be with us, his presence will be felt for generations to come. On behalf of the University of Arizona, our community and generations of Wildcat fans, we extend our thoughts and prayers to the Olson family.”