After his team’s 73-51 loss to St. John’s Tuesday afternoon UConn coach Jim Calhoun tried to clear the air about his future with the Huskies.
An SNY television show intimated that Calhoun had decided to retire at the end of the season.
“It never entered my mind,” Calhoun said. “I was made aware of the story. It had nothing to do with anything and was not based on any substantive fact.”
Calhoun said like every year he will wait for a few weeks after the season ends and contemplate his future.
Yet another story indicated that Calhoun was refusing to step down because UConn AD Jeff Hathaway and President Michael Hogan refused to allow Calhoun to hand pick his successor.
“One of them I haven’t talked to in a year, the other one I haven’t talked to about that situation or about my future in maybe eight months,” Calhoun said.
Calhoun certainly is coaching the Huskies right now.
“I’m in the business of trying to recruit players to UConn,” Calhoun said. “I love the school and I still love coaching.”
The coach also said he very well may sign a new contract with UConn soon. His current deal expires in June.
“Yes there is a contract offer out there,” Calhoun said. “I haven’t seen the final copy but it’s out there, yes.”
– As for the current season and the team, Calhoun hinted the Huskies may refuse a bid to the NIT and allow the season to end.
“I have great respect for that (the NIT). I’ve never thought about turning it down,” Calhoun said. “But I think it’s a good time to sit down with myself, my staff and think about what we want to do going forward.”
The Huskies’ woeful effort Tuesday obviously was fresh in Calhoun’s mind.
“I think it’s a good time to reflect,” Calhoun said. “Where we were today and how we ended up is certainly not typical. We’ve been beaten before and we’ve ended seasons on some sour notes.”
This one was seemingly much different.
- Neill
