UCLA fires Howland

Mar 25, 2013 - 2:26 AM Los Angeles, CA (Sports Network) - UCLA has fired men's basketball coach Ben Howland.

The official announcement came Sunday night, one night after the school denied reports of Howland being ousted from his position.

Howland, who spent the past 10 seasons as head coach of the Bruins, compiled a 233-107 record, with seven NCAA Tournament berths, including a string of three Final Fours from 2006-2008.

The Bruins went 25-10 this season and won the Pac-12 regular-season crown, but fell to Oregon in the conference championship. UCLA was then knocked out in the second round of the NCAA Tournament by Minnesota.

"I want to thank Ben for all that he has done for UCLA in his ten seasons in Westwood," UCLA athletics director Dan 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 had two years remaining on his contract.

According to several reports, UCLA is eyeing VCU's Shaka Smart as its next head coach. Butler's Brad Stevens is also reportedly on Guerrero's list of possible candidates.