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UCLA Basketball: Steve Alford allegedly reached out to Xavier

By Mike Regalado

SACRAMENTO, CA - MARCH 19: Head coach Steve Alford of the UCLA Bruins watches on against the Cincinnati Bearcats during the second round of the 2017 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Golden 1 Center on March 19, 2017 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA - MARCH 19: Head coach Steve Alford of the UCLA Bruins watches on against the Cincinnati Bearcats during the second round of the 2017 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Golden 1 Center on March 19, 2017 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /
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UCLA basketball head coach Steve Alford has apparently reached out to Xavier about their vacant head coaching position.

Things have not gone the way both UCLA basketball head coach Steve Alford and the Bruin faithful had hoped when Alford was hired back in 2013.

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In five seasons, Alford has a 117-57 (.672) record, has made the NCAA Tournament 4 out of 5 seasons (three if you do not count this season’s “play-in” game as part of the tourney), has not gotten past the Sweet 16 and has only won one piece of hardware, the Pac-12 Tournament Championship in his first season (though that was mostly with Ben Howland’s players).

This past season seemed to be the tipping point after the Bruins went 21-12 after a roller coaster ride of a season that saw the suspension of three players, the departure of the Ball Family and an inconsistent style of play that allowed the Bruins to go 4-1 against the top three teams in the Pac-12 (UCLA finished 4th) and a 7-6 record against the bottom eight teams.

With that in mind, the Bruin faithful once again grew tired of their beloved program not winning anything significant which resulted in more banners being flown over Westwood, calling for the termination of Alford. With that kind of “support” it is no wonder why Alford might be looking elsewhere.

According to the Cincinnati Enquirer, Alford had reached out to Xavier about their head coaching vacancy.

"According to The Enquirer’s Paul Daugherty, two prominent names in college basketball – Arizona’s Sean Miller and UCLA’s Steve Alford – reached out to Xavier about its vacant head coaching position."

It is no secret that Bruin fans want change and want a coach that can keep them relevant. A simple request, really.

On the other end, it seems as though Alford wants out as well. Though he has managed to bring in top 10 recruiting classes, the results on the court are not translating to wins and that is growing thin with UCLA basketball supporters.

Whether or not Alford is a serious candidate for the Xavier head coaching position, it would be a chance for a fresh start. Not only is it a school in the midwest that could suit Alford better, but it is a Mid-major program that could benefit from Alford’s coaching and recruiting experience.

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As of now, there is no word as to whether Alford is a top candidate or will receive an interview, but it seems as though he knows, especially if he actually reached out to Xavier, that he can take UCLA no further. Either way, it should be an interesting storyline to follow.