UConn Coach Jim Calhoun Takes Leave of Absence

University of Connecticut men’s basketball coach Jim Calhoun will take an indefinite medical leave of absence, effective immediately, to deal with worsening spinal stenosis, a lower back condition that causes him severe pain and hampers mobility. The school made the announcement Friday.

The Hall of Fame coach, who tunes 70 in May, will miss Saturday’s game against Seton Hall and Monday’s game at Louisville, and his condition will be evaluated on a daily basis as options for treatment are explored.

George Blaney, the team’s associate head coach, will lead the team in Calhoun’s absence. The Huskies (14-7, 4-5 Big East) have lost four games in a row.

“Last summer, Jim had some significant back pain and has seen two excellent back specialists,” said Dr. Peter Schulman, Calhoun’s primary care doctor. “The initial approach recommended to him was stretching, physical therapy and exercise, and that was successful for several months. It turns out that there is some degenerative problem in the lumbar vertebrae and it’s impinging on the nerves. It has led to significant back pain and some symptoms in his lower extremities.”