Mick Cronin put in advisory role
Cincinnati's Mick Cronin will not coach for the remainder of the season while dealing with a non-life-threatening vascular condition known as arterial dissection.
Cronin was diagnosed with the condition in mid-December when, during a routine checkup after complaining of lingering headaches,an unruptured aneurysm was first discovered by doctors.
He told ESPN.com last week that he was feeling "great," but wasn't sure when doctors would clear him to coach again this season.
"I need to keep a normal blood pressure. That and rest are the two keys for my healing so I can't overdo it," Cronin told ESPN.com's Andy Katz in a text message Friday. "I have to be smart. The best case (scenario) is in 11 weeks I will have my next scan and I'm all healed up and life goes back to normal.''
Cronin, 43, will not be able to coach practices or games this season, but will continue to run the program.
"I will be able to recruit," Cronin messaged Katz. "I will run the program and game plan with the staff. I can advise and support. I will meet with the team. I will do everything but coach practice and games.''
Cronin, who has led Cincinnati to four consecutive NCAA tournament appearances, has been advised to rest and avoid stress.
"I have the utmost confidence in our coaching staff and players that we will continue to develop as a team and play Bearcats basketball," Cronin said in a statement. "This program is bigger than any coach or player. I don't want this to be a distraction but instead want the focus to be on the growth and support of this team.
"Please know I am doing fine and look forward to continuing to help our basketball staff and players in my new, but temporary role as the Bearcats' general manager for the rest of the year."
Cronin has missed the past three games against VCU, Wagner and NC State while awaiting further test results and treatment options. Associate head coach Larry Davis, who was the head coach at Furman from 1998 to 2006, will take Cronin's place as the acting head coach.
Cincinnati is 9-3 and faces SMU on Saturday.
"The prognosis is excellent," Dr. Norberto Andaluz, the UC Health director of Neurosurgery, said in the statement. "An important part of Mr. Cronin's treatment and recovery includes rest, medication and keeping a normal blood pressure."
Added Dr. Mario Zuccarello: "We are optimistic in this case. Coach Cronin's career is not jeopardized by this condition and we all look forward to seeing him back on the court next season and enjoying a long successful career thereafter."
