University of Arizona

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UA coach Lute Olson will take a leave of absence effective immediately, for what he called a personal matter.

He will be replaced in the interim by assistant coach Kevin O'Neill.

Athletic Director Jim Livengood and O'Neill said at a news conference today that there is no timetable for the leave.

"This will be Lute's 25th year. I don't have any more to say," O'Neill said. "It's not business as usual but the players will carry on."

Livengood said Olson pulled him aside at Saturday's Arizona football game and said he needed the leave.

"This is merely a leave of absence at this time," Livengood said. "It's just right now at this time he has things he needs to take care of."

Olson's public relations firm released a statement this morning saying he was not facing a health issue.

"For the past 25 years, I have always given 110 percent to the team and this job," Olson said in the statement. "In light of this personal matter, I feel it's in the best interests of the team and university to take a leave of absence.

"It isn't a health scare but rather a personal matter that needs my undivided attention."

The Wildcats are scheduled to host their first exhibition game of the season today at 2:30 p.m., against Concordia University of Montreal.

Olson, 73, hasn't taken a leave of absence since the 2000-01 season, when his first wife, Bobbi, passed away.