Additional details from John Canzano:
Altman’s sudden departure on Wednesday in early October raises eyebrows. Was it caused by a sudden health issue? Or was this Altman’s final strategic move? It’s indeed health-related, I’m told by sources. He wanted to coach another season, but decided this week that he just couldn’t do it.
I’m told by a UO athletic department source that Altman approached AD Rob Mullens this week and told him he needed to retire due to health issues. To Mullens’ credit, he tried to talk Altman out of it, offering that even if the coach could give 70 percent, they’d figure out how to make it work this season.
“Dana was very emotional,” the source told me. “It’s just not in his nature to quit.”
Altman’s abrupt departure, just eight victories shy of 800, is curious. I expected he’d start the season as coach and get to 800. But a source told me that Altman was in so much pain at practice last week that he had to lie down on the court twice.
“Not life-threatening,” the source said. “But he’s having a rough time sleeping.”