The UCLA basketball team hasn’t played a game yet this season, but Coach Steve Alford already has a little more job security.

On Friday, Athletic Director Dan Guerrero announced that UCLA had extended Alford’s contract for another year, meaning the coach is now under contract until the 2020-21 season.

Alford became coach in March 2013 and guided the Bruins to a 28-9 record in his first season. The team lost in the NCAA tournhament Sweet 16, then had three players chosen in the first round of the NBA draft.

Alford’s previous contract -- worth $2.6 million a year for seven years -- was based largely on incentives, and also had a whopping $10.4-million buyout clause. Why the extension came now, five seasons before Alford’s contract was set to expire, is unclear.


The Bruins start their season with an exhibition game against Azusa Pacific on Oct. 31 at Pauley Pavilion.

For more Bruin observations, follow Everett Cook on Twitter @everettcook