The UCLA Bruins have a new head coach, according to reports. Steve Alford, who has coached the University of New Mexico Lobos for the past six years and led them to three NCAA tournament berths is set to take over the storied UCLA program.

After a disappointing showing in the NCAA tournament with highly touted recruit Shabazz Muhammad on the roster, UCLA fired head coach Ben Howland, who had been the UCLA coach since 2003. Howland's Bruins won the Pac-12 regular season title this year.

Under Howland, the Bruins reached the NCAA tournament seven times, reaching the title game once, and the Final Four twice, all during a three-year stretch. A source close to Howland, though, said the embattled coach saw the writing on the wall in advance.

"He had an amazing turnaround this season, but he knew he was going to be fired a long time ago," the source said.

Alford's Lobos were upset by No. 14-seed Harvard in this year's tournament, but that clearly did not sway UCLA's decision makers. CBS Sports is reporting Alford's deal is for seven years and $2.6 million a season.

In a statement, Alford said, "I have been so fortunate and blessed in my life, and an opportunity to lead the one of the greatest programs in college basketball history is once-in-a-lifetime. It is an honor to be the head coach at UCLA, yet it is also a responsibility to ensure that our former, current and future players and fans are proud to be Bruins."

Just two weeks ago, Alford agreed to a ten-year extension with New Mexico that would have paid him $2 million a year.

UCLA athletic director Dan Guerrero released a statement expressing his excitement about the Alford hire.

"Steve is the perfect fit for UCLA. He is part of the storied history of the game of college basketball and understands the tradition and uniqueness of UCLA. Yet he also connects with a new generation of players and brings an up-tempo and team-oriented brand of basketball to Westwood."

Before tabbing Alford to succeed Howland, Virginia Commonwealth head coach Shaka Smart and Butler coach Brad Stevens turned down offers from the Bruins.