Steve Alford hired as UCLA head coach

UCLA has hired Steve Alford to replace Ben Howland as men’s basketball coach.

Alford spent five successful seasons as the head of the New Mexico basketball program. The Lobos were struggling when he first took over but made it to the NCAA Tournament three times under his tutelage and finished 2012-2013 with a 29-6 record.

The 48-year-old coach headed the programs at Iowa, Missouri State and Manchester College over the course of his 22-year career.

“Steve is the perfect fit for UCLA,” said Athletic Director Dan Guerrero. “He is part of the storied history of the game of college basketball and understands the tradition and uniqueness of UCLA.”

According to Jeff Goodman of CBS, Alford’s contract is worth $2.6 million per year for seven years. Alford had just signed a extension with the Lobos that was set to keep him there until 2023, but according to Goodman, the Bruins will pay the buyout on that contract.