UCLA: Basketball Coach Ben Howland Has NOW Been Fired
UPDATE (3/25/13): Former UCLA head basketball coach Ben Howland will hold a 1 p.m. news conference Monday at Pauley Pavilion)
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — A UCLA spokesperson said Saturday that head coach Ben Howland had not been fired.
What a difference a day makes.
Sunday evening, the school confirmed it had parted ways with Howland.
Athletic Director Dan Guerrero reportedly told Howland of the firing Sunday afternoon, according to school officials.
"I want to thank Ben for all that he has done for UCLA in his 10 seasons in Westwood," Guerrero said. "He embraced our tradition and culture and produced some terrific teams and coached a number of wonderful young men. We wish Ben and his family all the best as they move onto a new chapter in their lives."
Howland compiled a 233-107 win-loss record and had seven NCAA tournament berths that included a string of three consecutive Final Four appearances (2006-2008.)
"I have been blessed with the opportunity to coach at UCLA for 10 years and I will always be grateful to Dan Guerrero and chancellors Block, Abrams and Carnesale for the opportunity to coach and teach our players and work alongside tremendous coaches," Howland said. "The UCLA community and fans have been unbelievable to my family and I, and it's been an honor and privilege to represent this great institution. I look forward to what comes next."
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