UCLA sticking with Howland as coach

Mar 13, 2012 - 9:53 PM Los Angeles, CA (Sports Network) - Embattled UCLA men's basketball coach Ben Howland will return for a 10th season, the school announced Tuesday.

In a statement, UCLA athletic director Dan Guerrero said Howland was evaluated the same way every coach is at the end of a season. Guerrero made the decision to stick with him after having several discussions.

"Obviously, we are aware of the recent criticisms of our men's basketball program; Ben understands full well that the management and oversight of the program needs improvement," Guerrero said.

"He has assured me that, going forward, both the character and performance among our student-athletes will reflect the university's values and the basketball program's storied tradition. I believe that his overall record and performance proves he is more than capable of delivering on these assurances."

A recent report argued that Howland had allowed the storied UCLA program to drift from the tenets established by John Wooden by recruiting players who have undermined team discipline and morale, leading to alcohol and drug usage and fights between teammates.

The university and Howland responded to the Sports Illustrated story by saying they were taking the assertions in the report seriously and looking toward the future.

Howland, who once led the Bruins to three straight Final Fours from 2006-08, guided them to a 19-14 overall record and 11-7 mark in the Pac-12 this past season.

They were knocked out in the quarterfinals of the conference tournament by Arizona last week.