UCLA Basketball is finalizing a deal to hire Jamie Dixon as the next head coach
It appears as if the UCLA basketball team has engaged in talks and finalizing a deal with TCU’s Jamie Dixon as the new coach of the Bruins.
A new era of UCLA basketball is almost upon us as it has been reported that the UCLA athletic department and Texas Christian’s Jamie Dixon are finalizing a deal to bring the Ben Howland disciple to Westwood.
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It has been more than three months since UCLA has had a legitimate head coach after Steve Alford was terminated on December 31, 2018, after a disappointing start to his sixth season in charge of the most storied program in college basketball. But rejoice, Bruins, his successor is on the way.
Jamie Dixon, a coach off of the Ben Howland tree, looks as if he has agreed to be the next UCLA basketball head coach. Both Go Joe Bruin and writer Michael Hanna had information on the news, with Jeff Borzello of ESPN confirming that “the UCLA Bruins and representatives for TCU coach Jamie Dixon have engaged on contract parameters and his buyout with the Horned Frogs”.
Ben Bolch of the Los Angeles Times has also stated that Dixon is trying to negotiate the buyout.
Latest I've heard on Jamie Dixon: He's trying to negotiate his $8-million buyout down to $1 million. Barring that, UCLA will have to come up with the money. Have also been told that Mick Cronin is getting antsy and the next 24 hours could be critical to keeping him in the mix.
— Ben Bolch (@latbbolch) April 3, 2019
After the drama with John Calipari in the last week, it was announced that UCLA had two other finalists in mind, Dixon and Cincinnati head coach Mick Cronin.
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When the news broke on Monday, Dixon refused to talk about the situation as his TCU Horned Frogs had an upcoming NIT semifinal game. Unfortunately, TCU lost to Texas, whose head coach, Shaka Smart, was also being considered for the position. With those responsibilities out of the way, it looks as if Dixon is making a move out west and become the next head coach of the UCLA basketball program.
Pending finalization, this is a good hire for UCLA. Not only did they want to bring in a successful, proven coach, but the AD wanted one that did not have previous baggage. Dixon meets both those requisites as he had success at Pittsburgh, but more importantly, he has not had to vacate Final Four appearances like a certain candidate.
In his 16 years as a head coach, Dixon has produced an overall record of 396-164 (.707).
UCLA needs a coach to change the culture and it looks as if they got one that will not only bring back winning ways but one that will emphasize fundamentals and defense. With the talent that UCLA attracts, Dixon can do a lot of damage as the head of the Bruins in a very short amount of time.
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Additionally, with the Pac-12 being down in recent seasons, he has a legitimate shot of winning the conference in his first season.