UCLA Coaching Rumors: Bruins Turn to Mick Cronin After Long Search
UCLA's long search for a new head men's basketball coach is finally over after the Bruins announced the hiring of Mick Cronin on Tuesday.
Cronin's will become the 14th head coach in program history with a six year, $24 million deal. He was previously the head coach at Cincinnati for 13 seasons.
"I am incredibly humbled and honored to become the head coach at UCLA," Cronin said in a statement. "I'm especially grateful to Chancellor Block and to Dan Guerrero for this opportunity to join the Bruin Family. UCLA is a very special place with a strong tradition of excellence. To be able to join such a world-class institution is truly a privilege, and I can't wait to get started in Westwood."
The Bruins fired former head coach Steve Alford on Dec. 31 after six years, and the Bruins finished the season 17–16 under interim coach Murry Bartow.
On Monday, top candidate Rick Barnes decided to remain with Tennessee despite a lucrative offer from the Bruins. Barnes finalized his decision after the Volunteers reportedly countered with a new offer.
Barnes was the latest candidate to turn down UCLA. Virginia's Tony Bennett, who won the NCAA national championship with the Cavaliers on Monday, also reportedly turned down the job.
The school then made an offer to Kentucky's John Calipari, who used the offer to get a lifetime deal in Lexington. Last week, a deal with TCU coach Jamie Dixon fell through after UCLA didn't want to pay the $8 million buyout to get Dixon out of his contract.
