Alford Almost Out of Iowa
According to a report on the WHO-TV evening news, the NBC affiliate in Des Moines, Alford has informed some returning Iowa players that he will be departing. An official statement is expected sometime in the next 48 hours.
Earlier Wednesday, Barta released a statement that the University of New Mexico had contacted him about interviewing Alford. Barta granted Alford permission to speak with New Mexico athletic director Paul Krebs about the head coaching vacancy created when Krebs fired formed coach Ritchie McKay.
Alford, a former collegiate star at the University of Indiana, has been the head coach at Iowa for the past eight seasons. During the period he has led the Hawkeyes to a 152-106 overall record, but in Big Ten conference play Alford has a losing record of 61-67. Since Alford has taken over at the helm, the Hawks have received three NCAA tournament bids but have never advanced to the Sweet 16.
During the 2006-2007 season, the Hawkeyes went 16-14 and did not receive a post-season bid.
Alford has had a tumultuous relationship with Hawk fans. Upon his arrival at Iowa, Alford was heralded by fans as the coach that would take Hawkeye basketball to the next level. When long-time Indiana coach Bob Knight left the program in 2000, it was widely speculated that Alford would return to coach at his alma mater. Hawkeye fans and administrators fought hard to keep a still popular Alford at Iowa.
Opinions of Alford changed quickly in Hawkeye nation as Alford failed to meet expectations. For the past few seasons discontent with Alford has continued to grow. Fans have felt betrayed for a number of years as Alford has repeatedly interviewed with other basketball programs. It was highly reported last year that Alford was expected to take the reigns at Iowa rival, Missouri, after the departure of longtime coach Quin Snyder.
Upon hearing the news of Alford's possible departure many Iowa fans were pleased. Hawkeye blogs and message boards lit up with activity over the possibility Alford may be leaving the Iowa program. Fans at firestevealford.com began speculation on who the next Iowa coach would be.
For now, rumors are still only that--rumors.
One thing is certain, if Alford is not offered or does not take the position at New Mexico, it is likely that Barta will have to revisit his earlier decision that Alford's job is safe.
When asked about the chances of Alford leaving, Barta responded by saying he hoped to know more tomorrow.
Sources: Des Moines Register
WHO-TV
Published by Polly Merase
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4 Comments
Post a CommentAgreed, I'm sure at some point he will be the great coach we all thought he would be at Iowa. I personally don't think it will be NM, but who knows!
Steve knows basketball, his knowledge of the game was never the problem. If he wasn't such an arrogant guy I think he would probably still be around. All the off the court stuff is what did him in and the article he did for Pat Robertson's magazine did not endear him to me in anyway because it makes me wonder if he really lives his life the way he says he does.
Haha, I got tipped off on it early Wednesday from a friend in IC. I have no idea about replacements, with Kentucky opening up today it looks like there will be competition for decent coaches. Altman sounds the most likely at this time. Anyone would be an improvement over Alford after his antics.
You beat me to it on this one. Do you think Mike Montgomery may want the Iowa job? I think he'd be a great hire and well done on the article.