After refuting reports late Saturday night, UCLA has officially fired men’s basketball coach Ben Howland. He has been relieved of his duties effective immediately, the school announced Sunday evening, and a national search for his successor has begun.

“I want to thank Ben for all that he has done for UCLA in his ten seasons in Westwood,” athletic director Dan Guerrero said in a statement. “He embraced our tradition and culture and produced some terrific teams and coached a number of wonderful young men. We wish Ben and his family all the best as they move onto a new chapter in their lives.”

In the same statement, Howland said: “I have been blessed with the opportunity to coach at UCLA for 10 years and I will always be grateful to Dan Guerrero and Chancellors Block, Abrams and Carnesale for the opportunity to coach and teach our players and work alongside tremendous coaches. The UCLA community and fans have been unbelievable to my family and I, and it’s been an honor and privilege to represent this great institution. I look forward to what comes next.”