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UConn Coach Jim Calhoun Taking ‘Indefinite Medical Leave of Absence’

University of Connecticut men’s basketball coach Jim Calhoun will go on an indefinite medical leave of absence “to deal with worsening spinal stenosis,” the athletic department announced on Friday.

According to the press release, Calhoun will be out at least for Saturday’s game against Seton Hall and Monday’s matchup with Louisville, and from there he will be reevaluated day-to-day.

The release said that Calhoun, 69, has been dealing with spinal stenosis — a narrowing of the spine that causes pain and a lack of mobility — since last summer, but that recently his condition has grown worse.

“Jim has been able to manage it with the physical therapy and stretching, but over the last several days, things have become worse and he is not able to deal with this on a day to day basis, so other options need to be considered,” said his physician, Dr. Peter Schulman. “Right now, he is physically unable to coach.”

Associate head coach George Blaney, who assumed coaching duties earlier this year while Calhoun served a three-game suspension, will take over for the Hall of Famer. The Huskies are 2-1 so far under Blaney this season.