Each brings a different story, a different energy, and a renewed sense of optimism to their new home. Let’s take a closer look at how these hires could reshape the conference landscape.
New Mexico Lobos
In: Eric Olen
Out: Richard Pitino
Eric Olen, 44, arrives in Albuquerque after a highly successful run at UC San Diego. The Mobile, Alabama native played his college ball at Spring Hill before climbing the coaching ladder with the Tritons. After years as an assistant, Olen guided UCSD to 240 wins and an NCAA Tournament berth in 2024–25, their first since joining Division I and the Big West Conference. Before that, his teams dominated the Division III ranks, reaching the NCAA Tournament four consecutive seasons.
Olen replaces Richard Pitino, who departs after a strong four-year stint that included 88 wins and back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances. Pitino’s constant career movement continues, as the well-traveled coach takes on his fourth head coaching role since 2012.
Colorado State Rams
In: Ali Farokhmanesh
Out: Niko Medved
Ali Farokhmanesh, forever remembered for his clutch shooting at Northern Iowa, takes the reins in Fort Collins for his first head coaching opportunity. The 37-year-old steadily worked his way up the coaching ranks, from graduate assistant to associate head coach, earning a reputation as a sharp basketball mind with a relentless work ethic.
Colorado State reached the NCAA Tournament last season and pulled off a memorable upset over Memphis as a 12-seed before a heartbreaking 72–71 loss to Maryland ended their run. Shortly after, longtime head coach Niko Medved accepted the head job at Minnesota, returning to the Big Ten after amassing 143 wins and three tournament appearances over the past four seasons with the Rams.
UNLV Rebels
In: Josh Pastner
Out: Kevin Kruger
Josh Pastner is back in the head coaching ranks, ready for a fresh start in Las Vegas. Still just 48, Pastner brings a wealth of experience after previous stints at Memphis and Georgia Tech. He won 147 games in seven seasons with the Tigers, followed by another 109 in the ACC with the Yellow Jackets. Though Georgia Tech made only one NCAA Tournament appearance under his watch, Pastner is known for his energy, recruiting connections, and offensive creativity.
UNLV, meanwhile, decided to move on from Kevin Kruger after a 75–54 record and no NCAA Tournament bids in four seasons. Kruger didn’t stay unemployed long, joining Brad Underwood’s staff at Illinois as an assistant.
A Conference in Transition
As Olen, Farokhmanesh, and Pastner take over their programs, the Mountain West begins the new season with a fresh mix of styles and personalities. Olen brings structure, Farokhmanesh adds energy, and Pastner provides experience, a combination that could shake things up across the league.
Three new leaders. Three fresh starts. And one conference poised for a fascinating season when the ball tips off in November.