Olen, Berryman talk commitment to Lobo basketball

Lobo hoops transfer portal tracker The Journal is keeping tabs on all offseason roster moves for the Lobo men’s basketball team — who is leaving, who is returning, who hasn’t decided — on its Transfer Portal Tracker (CLICK HERE). There was a time when the five-year coaching contract was said to be a must-have for recruiting. Without them, the coaches themselves, their agents and the athletic department administrators behind negotiating the deals would tell you, high school players would never feel comfortable committing to a program if they didn't know their coach and school weren't committed to one another for the long haul.

Well, times certainly have changed in college athletics. "I don't think recruits care about my contract," UNM men's basketball coach Eric Olen said with a smile Tuesday. But fans and donors, sure do.

At least that's the hope of Olen and UNM Vice President/Director of Athletics Ryan Berryman. On Tuesday, Berryman spoke about the evolving college landscape and the value in giving Olen a new five-year contract after just one — albeit successful — season. Olen’s contract was announced Monday.

VIDEO: UNM coach Eric Olen, AD Ryan Berryman talk new contract at Tuesday news conference. The pair held a news conference to talk about the new deal — one that includes a modest pay raise and a bump in assistant coaching salary. Also included is a clock reset on buyout terms, which adds some protection for UNM if Olen gets lured away by another school.