Jim Calhoun may not know if he will return to UConn next season, but his son believes it’s a fait accompli.
“I do expect him to come back,” Jeff Calhoun told SNY.tv by phone Saturday evening.
“He hasn’t made up his mind but knowing him, I expect him to come back.”
Jim Calhoun, who turns 69 next month, became just the fifth coach ever to win three or more NCAA titles when the Huskies beat Butler, 53-41, Monday night in Houston. He joined an exclusive club that includes John Wooden (10 titles), Adolph Rupp (4), Mike Krzyzewski (4) and Bob Knight (3).
Calhoun threw out the first pitch Saturday at Fenway Park before the Yankees’ 9-4 victory over the Red Sox. He told Boston reporters he hadn’t yet decided his plans for next year and beyond.
“I can guarantee you I haven’t made my mind up in any way,” Calhoun told the Boston media. “I’m just going to try to get this team ready for next year and we’ll see what happens.”
Calhoun was echoing comments he made in Houston in which he said former North Carolina coach Dean Smith once told him not to make any critical decisions in the emotional aftermath of a season.
He said in Boston that he’s preparing as if he’ll return for a 26th season at UConn.
“We’re working very hard, recruiting-wise,” Calhoun said. “I would do that regardless of what I’m doing [next season].”
Jeff Calhoun previously said he expects his father to coach for at least two more years. His current contract runs through the 2013-14 season.
“I would say the pull of walking away on top is great,” Jeff said Saturday, “but at the same time I think he enjoys what he’s doing.”
(Photo courtesy Elise Amendola/AP)
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