It’s the first full day that the UCLA is without a men’s basketball coach, and the last won’t come soon. Athletic Director Dan Guerrero, no stranger to coaching searches, will spend the coming weeks contacting prospective hires across the country.

UCLA has fired basketball coach Ben Howland after 10 years on the job.
Howland was notified of the decision Sunday afternoon by Athletic Director Dan Guerrero.

To external observers, the situation is baffling: How is Ben Howland, a coach whose resume is among the best in the country, about to get fired?

UCLA issued the following statement Saturday night regarding Howland’s status.

“Contrary to multiple media reports this evening, UCLA has not fired men’s basketball coach Ben Howland,” said UCLA Athletics spokesman Nick Ammazzalorso.