Alford Almost Out of Iowa

University of Iowa head basketball coach Steve Alford may be packing his bags after all. Less than a week after Iowa athletic director Gary Barta said he would not be firing Alford, word has come that Alford is close to signing a contract to coach at the University of New Mexico for next season.

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.