Will Sammon

The Clarion-Ledger

STARKVILLE – Ben Howland’s name may have been linked to the open NC State job, but he said Monday he’s staying at Mississippi State — for what sounds like the rest of his career.

“I don’t know why that gets thrust like that,” Howland said. “I’m not going anywhere. I’m excited about our future here. Not going through the pain of building to start building all over again, I’m not doing that. You can only do this so many times.

“This is it.”

Howland, 59, was listed in a story by Sports Illustrated as someone who could emerge as an intriguing name in the next few weeks regarding the NC State job. NC State fired Mark Gottfried last week.

Howland is 28-29 overall at MSU. He led UCLA to three straight Final Fours. He has signed eight consensus four-star prospects in his two classes at MSU.

ContactWill Sammon at 601-961-7116 orwsammon@gannett.com. Follow him onTwitter.