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UCLA Basketball: What Does Steve Alford Have To Do To Keep His Job?

By Mike Regalado

Jan 3, 2016; Pullman, WA, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Steve Alford looks on against the Washington State Cougars during the first half at Wallis Beasley Performing Arts Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Pullman, WA, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Steve Alford looks on against the Washington State Cougars during the first half at Wallis Beasley Performing Arts Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports /
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With UCLA Basketball Head Coach Steve Alford needing to turn the program around, what is the least he needs to do to keep his job?

The 2016-07 season is going to be make-or-break for UCLA Basketball coach Steve Alford.

After going 15-17 last season, Alford will be expected to make serious adjustments, which is something he discussed in his letter to Bruin fans a few weeks ago.

The UCLA Athletic Dpartment made it clear that Alford was returning, but everyone knows that next season could be his last.  If we see more of the same from last year into next year, there is no doubt will be let go.

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But if he improves the team and hits a few milestones along the way, that would help his situation considerably. Essentially, Steve Alford needs to make UCLA championship contenders.

The Pac-12 regular-season championship, Pac-12 Tournament Championship and NCAA Championship all need to be his goals. But let’s be honest, that last one is not happening (at least not yet), but the first one seems to be a must. Honestly, with the expectations put on Alford, there is a lot more he needs to do.

In my opinion, Bruin fans and the UCLA A.D. are going to expect multiple goals to be met. So what will keep Steve Alford as the coach of UCLA basketball? It is a combination of things.

PRESEASON

  • Win preseason tournament
  • Beat Kentucky
  • Win 75% of the nonconference games

REGULAR SEASON

  • Get a conference road sweep
  • Sweep USC
  • Sweep Arizona
  • Get a 20-win season
  • Win the Pac-12 Regular Season Championship

POST-SEASON

  • Win Pac-12 Tournament
  • Get a one or two seed in the NCAA tournament
  • Go to the elite eight, not just the Sweet 16
  • To the final four
  • Win the NCAA championship

At the very least, Alford needs his UCLA Basketball team to win the Pac-12 regular-season championship, but that is just to start. Alford needs to have an impressive all-around season.

If Alford wins the Pac-12 regular season championship and then loses in the first round of the NCAA tournament, that is not going to look good for him (remember Ben Howland?).

So to remain in Westwood, it is my assumption that UCLA Basketball needs to meet 2 out of 3 preseason goals listed above, over half of the regular season goals including a Pac-12 Championship and getting to the Elite 8 (though going to the Sweet 16 could be enough).

Personally, I don’t believe that matching the accomplishments of his best season (his first at UCLA) will be enough to save his job. Alford has almost achieved most of the more important goals listed above, so now he has to show that he can actually obtain them.

Next: UCLA Basketball's 2017 National Championship Odds

There is no doubt that next season will be interesting, but just how interesting is yet to be seen.