Dunlap leaves Nuggets for U of Arizona job

DENVER - Mike Dunlap is leaving his job as a Denver Nuggets assistant coach to serve on Lute Olson's staff at the University of Arizona.

"Mike has been an invaluable resource to my staff," Nuggets coach George Karl said in a statement. "Coach Olson is getting one of the top minds in basketball and we'll miss him greatly. We wish him the best of luck at Arizona, where we know he will be very successful."

Dunlap served on Karl's staff the last two seasons after a highly successful stint at Metro State College of Denver, where he went 248-50 and won two NCAA Division II national titles, in 2000 and 2002.

Dunlap was a candidate for head coaching jobs at Oregon State and California this spring and also interviewed with the Chicago Bulls for their head coaching job before meeting with Olson, whom he has known for several years.

The Wildcats had an opening after Olson's recent return from a season-long leave of absence. He said assistant coach Kevin O'Neill, who had served as interim coach last season and was even named Olson's eventual permanent successor, wouldn't remain on his staff.

"I want to thank Coach Karl and the Nuggets organization for giving me an opportunity to coach at the highest level," Dunlap said. "I learned a great deal in my two years with the Nuggets and I'm grateful for the experience."