Steve Alford has been hired to become the next head coach at UCLA, replacing Ben Howland.

Alford had agreed to a 10-year extension at New Mexico last week.

"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," Alford said in a statement released by the school. "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. I am grateful to chancellor Gene Block and Dan Guerrero for this amazing opportunity and I can't wait to get started."

Alford had spent six seasons at New Mexico with tournament appearances in 2010, 2012 and 2013.