Howland Signs Long-Term Contract With Bruins

By Bruin Basketball Report

UCLA head basketball coach Ben Howland agreed on a new seven-year contract, athletic director Dan Guerrero announced today.

The new contract, which runs through the 2012-13 season, includes guaranteed compensation of $1.15 million for the 2006-07 season and escalates to $1.6 million for the 2012-13 season. It also includes the incentive package from his previous contract that has a maximum value of $235,000.

Howland's original contract, signed prior to the 2003-04 season, paid Howland $900,000 plus incentives and had built-in $10,000 annual increases.

The new contract was recently approved by the Regents of the University of California.

"Ben is one of the top coaches in all of college basketball," said Guerrero. "In a short time, he has returned UCLA to elite status and we expect to remain there for the foreseeable future."

"Reaching the championship game in just his third year was an outstanding achievement, and he is building a program that will be strong for years to come."

In 2005-06, UCLA won 32 games, tying a school-record, en route to the NCAA championship game against Florida. The Bruins won 12 straight to reach the final game, winning their first Pac-10 title since 1997 and their first Pac-10 Tournament title since 1987

"As I said on the day that Dan Guerrero hired me, UCLA is my dream job," said Howland, 49. "I grew up a Bruin basketball fan. I am honored to be the head coach at this fine institution, and I am thankful to Dan for the faith he has shown in me."

"Reaching the title game last year was tremendous, but our goal is to contend for the NCAA title on a regular basis. Our team is looking forward to the challenges ahead."

Contract details for UCLA head football coach Karl Dorrell were also announced today. Dorrel agreed on a new five-year contract.

Dorrel's new contract includes guaranteed compensation of $850,000 plus a new incentive package with a maximum of $505,000 and runs through the 2010 season. In addition, Dorrell can earn and additional $500,000 if he fulfills the entire five years of the agreement.

(BruinBasketballReport.com)