Through a statement released by UConn, long-time Assistant Coach George Blaney announced his plans to retire from coaching to spend more time with his family on Thursday.
Blaney’s coaching career spans five decades, but to UConn fans, he will forever be remembered as the calming hand on the shoulder of Jim Calhoun for most of the past twelve seasons. His stoic behavior on the sidelines was at constant odds with the often-frenetic nature of his Hall of Fame boss.
After Calhoun’s retirement a year ago, Blaney stayed on board to provide experience and guidance to a young head coach in Kevin Ollie and the other, young assistants he served with.
Blaney was too often forced into the role of head coach during his UConn career. When Calhoun battled his various ailments – and the occasional suspension – Blaney took the reins with varying levels of success. His ultra-calm demeanor didn’t seem to lend itself to the modern game; despite the success he had as head coach of Holy Cross for 22 years, as well a three-season stint at Seton Hall.
Those fleeting moments at the helm for UConn are an unfair assessment of Blaney’s contribution to the university. Blaney’s job was to recruit, mentor and provide stability – all of which he did with aplomb and supreme grace.
Blaney will head into retirement wearing two National Championship rings. May he wear them in health.
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