Will Jim Calhoun Make it to 2014 at UConn?

In 1986, the University of Connecticut hired Jim Calhoun—the head basketball coach at Northeastern in his native Boston, where he won 248 games—as a replacement to Dom Perno.

To that point, the UConn Huskies had been a well known team in the northeast, but they were far from being a national powerhouse. After going 9-19 the first season, UConn gained an NIT berth in 1988 and defeated Ohio State to shock the college game and win the NIT, their first national tournament title.

Calhoun brought the men's basketball program to new heights and in 1990, the Huskies qualified the NCAA tournament for the first time since 1979. Not only that, they made the Elite Eight for the first time since 1964, only to be robbed of a Final Four spot by Christian Laettner.

Calhoun quickly became the most well-known coach in Connecticut history, coincidentally at the same time that Geno Auriemma was making the women's team into a national powerhouse. UConn reached the Elite Eight again in 1995, 1998, and 1999, with the latter trip resulting in a trip to the Final Four and a victory over Duke to win their first national title. UConn was on the map, thanks to Jim Calhoun.

Twenty-four years.  Twenty-three professional players. Almost 600 wins. Fifteen NCAA tournament appearances. Twelve Sweet 16s. Eight Elite Eights. Three Final Fours. Two championship games. Two national titles. It is obvious that Jim Calhoun is the greatest basketball coach in UConn history.

Earlier this year, the 800 game winner and Basketball Hall of Famer signed an extension with the Huskies worth $13 million, which runs through 2014. This extension came after speculation that Calhoun may retire and leave the university.

I have grown up on UConn. I go to at least three games a year. I have met Jim Calhoun and doubt there is a better person in college basketball. There was a part of me that was excited when he signed the extension for a couple reasons: I'm looking forward to seeing Calhoun throughout my four years at UConn and I feel he can bounce back from a rough season last year.

However, there is a part of me that is concerned that Calhoun may not necessarily be able to last that long. I would honestly not be surprised if George Blaney is the head coach before this contract expires.

Like I said, it is not about Calhoun as a coach. He is undoubtedly one of the greatest coaches ever. He has a good team coming back this year.

Over the years, we have seen Calhoun get struck with health issues during crucial points of the season. He took nearly a whole month off during the past season. During this time, UConn continued a season that will be fresh on the minds of Husky Nation come November, but in the long run, will want to be forgotten.

Calhoun was also diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2003. He has often missed games at a time recovering from different health issues, major and minor. At 68, how much longer can he really last? His health can only get worse from here on out, not to mention the stress that a full season, and especially the month of March, can have on a coach. We all know how emotional Jim Calhoun can be.

Recently, the Huskies have come under NCAA fire for recruiting violations during the recruitment of former recruit Nate Miles. This has really caused a lot of controversy here in Connecticut, where no one would have ever imagined that we would ever have to deal with a situation like this. Since the violations were revealed, several UConn staff members have been fired or have resigned.

Though the team will not be punished in terms of postseason play, seeing as Miles never played for the team, I still worry about the effect it may have. We saw the effects violations had at USC. I know those circumstances were different, but it could still have a negative effect.

The question is how long can Calhoun last under a cloud that dark. Remember, he went off on a reporter after a game in 2009 after the reporter asked about his salary. Someone is guaranteed to bring up these violations. This could lead to frustration for Calhoun, especially if the team is not performing.

As I have said, I love Calhoun. He is the greatest UConn coach ever. One of my favorite parts of going to UConn games is when Calhoun comes out and Gampel gives him a standing ovation. That is what he means to the state of Connecticut. As much as I would love to see him fulfill his contract, I worry about his health more than anything.

With the cancer concerns, the heart problems, and the constant sickness, just how much can Calhoun take? Especially this year, the recruiting issues may distract the program overall, but not the team and I do not think it will make as much of a problem as health. Look for UConn and Calhoun to have a great season this year. But by 2014, do not be surprised if Calhoun, who will soon be 70, is retired and George Blaney is the head coach.