Citing "family matters," Michigan associate head coach Jerry Dunn is taking an indefinite leave of absence from the Wolverines' basketball team.

"I have family matters that need my immediate attention," Dunn said in a release. "Coach (John) Beilein and the university have been gracious enough to allow me the time needed to do so."

Beilein said administrative specialist Jeff Meyer - formerly an assistant at Indiana - will replace Dunn until he returns.

"I've been with Jerry a long time and I really respect his decision and support him," Beilein said. "... That's all we can do. When he's ready, he'll be ready to return at some point."

Beilein declined to give more specifics about what is prompting Dunn's departure, other than he hopes he'll be back at some point this season "when he's ready."

Dunn has been Beilein's associate head coach during his entire 3-year tenure in Ann Arbor. The Raleigh, N.C., native came to Michigan with Beilein from West Virginia, where he was an assistant.

The 56-year-old had previously been the head coach at Penn State from 1995-2003, where he compiled a 298-290 record.

"He's one of our more vocal coaches in practice," senior forward DeShawn Sims said. "Whatever the family situation, we just hope and pray for him and hope we get him back soon."

Michael Rothstein covers University of Michigan basketball for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at (734) 623-2558, by e-mail at michaelrothstein@annarbor.com or follow along on Twitter @mikerothstein.