"I have been so fortunate and blessed in my life, and an opportunity to lead one of the greatest programs in college basketball history is once-in-a-lifetime, " he said in a statement.

NPR: UCLA Hires Steve Alford As New Basketball Coach

Other than my parents, my college coach, Bill Bowerman, was the biggest influence in my life.

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"I have been so fortunate and blessed in my life, and an opportunity to lead one of the greatest programs in college basketball history is once-in-a-lifetime, " Alford said in a statement.

WSJ: UCLA Hires Alford