Olson led the Wildcats to the 1997 National Championship and coached his team to three additional Final Four appearances. Olson won five times national coach of the year honors.
Olson had won 781 career coaches, with a record of 589-187 in Arizona. Olson was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2002.
University of Arizona athletics director Dave Heeke said in a statement: “Coach (Olson) was an iconic figure in college basketball who put the University of Arizona basketball program on the map. However, his legacy goes far beyond the court. He’s influenced thousands of lives, inspired young men to reach beyond their potential and put 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 President Robert C. Robbins of the University of Arizona. “He was an educator, a motivator, a husband, a father, a grandfather and a friend for so many. He was a true leader in every sense of the word and showed such integrity and compassion in every endeavor. While Coach no longer “will be with us, his presence will be fulfilled for future generations. On behalf of the University of Arizona, our community and generations of Wildcat fans, we extend our thoughts and prayers to the Olson family.”
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