Nuggets assistant coach Mike Dunlap is likely headed to Lute Olson’s staff at Arizona as associate head coach.
“My arrow is pointed in that direction,” Dunlap said, confirming the offer and his interest Tuesday. He said he has yet to sign a contract.
“I’ve covered it with Coach (George Karl) and they know what’s on the table,” Dunlap said. “It’s just a matter of going into Arizona and seeing Coach (Olson) one last time to complete everything.”
Dunlap just completed his second season as a Nuggets assistant. He was a candidate for college jobs at Oregon State and California recently, and in the past week he also interviewed with the Chicago Bulls for their head coaching job. But now Dunlap plans to head to Tucson to team up with Olson, a longtime acquaintance.
“First, if it wasn’t for Coach Karl, it wouldn’t have happened, in terms of his reputation,” Dunlap said. “And second, I’ve had a pre-existing relationship with Coach (Olson) for years. So for me, it kind of makes sense because of that relationship.”
Dunlap has been a staple in the Denver basketball community, notably because of his two NCAA Division II championships as the coach at Metro State.
Across the street at the Pepsi Center, he thrived in his teaching role on Karl’s staff.
Benjamin Hochman: 303-954-1294 or bhochman@denverpost.com
