UCLA

UCLA Athletic Director Dan Guerrero held a press conference Tuesday following men’s basketball coach Steve Alford’s announcement that he would return the one-year contract extension granted to him in 2014. Ever since the team’s early exit from the Pac-12 tournament in early March, UCLA fans have signed a petition requesting Alford’s firing and have flown planes over campus towing banners with similar messages. For Guerrero, it’s been one of the most challenging stretches of his 14-year tenure as athletic director. “Honestly, I wish that they hadn’t done that, in that I would rather have those individuals, down the road, spend their money on supporting this program, buying season tickets,” Guerrero said in regards to the fan response to the men’s basketball season. “Maybe donating to the basketball program, (rather) than buying planes with banners. Now, bottom line is, we have to earn their trust back. You do that by putting a great product on the floor, and winning.” Guerrero remained steadfast on his decision to stick with Alford and his coaching staff, saying it was Alford who approached him about returning his extension. The athletic director said he didn’t want the program to become a “coaching carousel,” where coaches are cycled through every few years. -Claire Fahy, Daily Bruin, Read More