UCLA Bruins head coach Steve Alford. Photo by John Sommers II/UPI |
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MEMPHIS -- Steve Alford is staying at UCLA, eschewing interest from Indiana some 30 years after he led the Hoosiers to a national championship under Bobby Knight.
"I'm absolutely, 100 percent, not going to Indiana," Alford said Friday night, moments after the Bruins lost 86-75 to Kentucky in the Sweet 16. "I am happy here. I love it here. We have a great recruiting class coming in and a brand-new practice facility. Obviously, I love my alma mater. But I'm committed to UCLA. I am not going to talk to Indiana. I am staying a Bruin."
National media termed the deal "done" as recently as Friday morning. CBS Sports radio host Doug Gottlieb and ESPN's Seth Greenberg separately reported that Alford was heading back to Bloomington and Bleacher Report detailed terms of the alleged contract agreement.
But Friday night, Alford said he's not even planning to interview at Indiana. The Hoosiers fired Tom Crean after nine seasons and said they were looking for "an Indiana guy," as a replacement.
Indiana wound up filling the job Saturday morning with the hiring of Dayton's Archie Miller.
Alford has a $7.8 million buyout at UCLA.
The commitment to the Bruins comes as a mild surprise considering the school renegotiated his contract to take away one full year, a matter that privately rankled Alford and his family.
Considering UCLA stands to lose the bulk of its playing rotation, including freshman sensation Lonzo Ball, TJ Leaf and Alford's senior son, Bryce, there is some rebuilding to do.
Crean was fired after Indiana missed the NCAA Tournament and then lost in the NIT, prematurely ending a season the Hoosiers began in the Top 25.
