UCLA

hired New Mexico coach Steve Alford on Saturday to replace Ben Howland, ending a process that had rapidly changed direction several times over the past few days.

"It's been a difficult morning to tell a team that I dearly love and a team and built last six years," Alford said in a Saturday afternoon news conference in Albuquerque. "I'm proud of my time and the opportunity given at New Mexico. I very much look forward to taking the helm at UCLA."

UCLA athletic director Dan Guerrero said in a conference call that Alford will receive a seven-year, $18.2 million contract. Guerrero said Alford will be paid $2.6 million a year plus a $200,000 signing bonus and that Alford would have to pay a buyout to New Mexico but that UCLA would work with him.

New Mexico AD Paul Krebs said the buyout is still being worked out.

Alford will be introduced by the Bruins at a news conference in Los Angeles on Tuesday.

"Anyone suited for a pressure job like this it's Steve,'' Guerrero said. "He grew up dealing with pressure. Anything about Indiana basketball is pressure. In addition, the state of New Mexico and University of New Mexico takes their basketball seriously. He's not the kind of guy who will shy away from what expectations are about at UCLA. He'll handle this with dignity, class and he's ready for this.''

Alford replaces Howland, who was fired at UCLA last week after the Bruins lost to Minnesota in the second round of the NCAA tournament. Howland coached the Bruins the past 10 years.

Alford said his son, Bryce who is a top 2013 recruit, would come with him to UCLA. He also endorsed his top assistant Craig Neal to replace him at New Mexico.

"Nobody is more prepared to be a head coach more than Craig Neal,'' said Alford. "He knows the culture. He gives UNM the best chance to continue what we've done.''

Alford said this was one of the most difficult things he had to do, to tell his team Saturday morning he was leaving.