Nevada’s Steve Alford to retire after 36-year coaching career with stops at UCLA and New Mexico

Nevada coach Steve Alford is retiring after a 36-year coaching career that includes stints at Iowa, New Mexico, and UCLA. Alford, 61, is concluding his eighth season at Nevada, where he has compiled a 137-88 record and led the team to NCAA Tournament appearances in 2023 and 2024. He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to lead the Nevada program and his pride in building lifelong friendships within the community.

Alford previously coached at UCLA, where he guided the Bruins to consecutive Sweet 16 appearances during a six-year tenure. The former Indiana star, who won a national championship under Bobby Knight, spent four NBA seasons before entering coaching at the age of 26. At Iowa, Alford led the Hawkeyes to two Big Ten Tournament titles and three NCAA Tournament appearances.

His time at New Mexico, marked by four Mountain West regular-season titles and three NCAA Tournament appearances, is considered some of his greatest coaching achievements. Nevada athletic director Stephanie Rempe praised Alford's consistency, integrity, and commitment to developing outstanding young men.