Reports: Calhoun’s Leave Stress-Related; Could Be Back In 10 Days

Over at SB Nation’s UCONN blog--aptly named, The UCONN Blog--they’re all over this story. And upon closer inspection, it seems that Calhoun’s leave of absence could have more to do with his mental health, as opposed to physical ailments. At least according to one report from Sports Illustrated, it’s stress-related. The UCONN blog examines the implications:

SI.com’s Luke Winn has reported that a source close to the UConn program has said head coach Jim Calhoun’s leave of absence is stress-related and will likely not keep the Hall of Fame coach away from the sidelines for long. ... This should certainly come as welcome news to UConn fans, though, as I noted earlier, this issue does raise a lot of questions about the future of the program, especially with regard to Calhoun’s contract situation.

Today has certainly not been a fun one for UConn fans, and at least for me, it has forced me to face the unpleasant reality that Calhoun is getting old. ESPN.com had a stat up earlier today that I had never seen before: Jim Calhoun has coached more basketball games than any other active D1 coach. That fact should not surprise me, but seeing it still shocked me. Jim Calhoun has been coaching UConn since before I was alive. I do not like having to contemplate UConn’s future without him.

And yet, for all the furrowed brows up in Storrs, Connecticut--as UCONN fans ponder a future without Calhoun--the Hartford Courant is reporting that Calhoun’s absence could be as brief as 10 days. That’s not so bad, is it?

Calhoun, who visited his doctor early Tuesday, could not be reached for comment. Several sources indicate that stress appears to be playing a role in his leave. One source said that Calhoun’s leave is tentatively planned for 10 days.

The good news is this: Calhoun, a man who’s been beset by serious health problems in the past, doesn’t seem to be facing any serious danger with this current situation. He needs a break, yes. But none of this appears life threatening, and before too long, he should be back on the sidelines scowling, cursing, and shaking his head in disgust. Exactly how we remember him, and exactly why UCONN fans love him. Get well soon, Coach.