Reports: Ben Howland, Marquette discussing open coaching position

Cassandra Negley

Reports: Ben Howland, Marquette discussing open coaching position image

Marquette reached out to former UCLA coach Ben Howland last week for its open coaching position, according to multiple reports.

Howland spoke with Marquette last week about its vacant coaching job, according to CBSSports.com, and is "very interested." No formal offer has been made. 

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From CBSSports.com: 

Meantime, sources told CBSSports.com that Howland is eager to return to coaching, and that he holds the Marquette program in high regard. A return to the Big East at a school that cares deeply about basketball intrigues Howland, multiple sources told CBSSports.com.

Howland coached at former Big East school Pittsburgh, where he rebuilt the program and earned multiple coach of the year award honors in 2002 before taking the UCLA job. He was fired last March after 10 seasons with the Bruins despite winning the regular-season title. Over Howland's past 12 years coaching, he's made nine NCAA tournaments and three Final Fours. 

The Marquette job is available after Buzz Williams left for Virginia Tech Friday

Cassandra Negley