North Carolina State coach Mark Gottfried isn’t one of the hottest names mentioned in the UCLA coaching search, but his ties to the school have helped him stay in the conversation.

A source said that although the former UCLA assistant had not yet been contacted by the Bruins, former players have been supporting his hire. The source added that Gottfried — who worked in Westwood from 1987-95 — would be interested in the position should it be offered, but is also happy in Raleigh and would only move for the right situation.

A SNY.tv report also stated that UCLA boosters are behind a Gottfried hire. According to the Charlotte Observer, the coach has a $3.75 million buyout in his contract with N.C. State. He just finished his second year with the Wolfpack, one that ended in the NCAA tournament’s round of 64. He took the team to the Sweet Sixteen the year prior.

The 49-year-old might not be the fans’ favorite choice. He was part of Jim Harrick’s national championship-winning staff in 1995, but has reached the Sweet Sixteen only twice in 16 seasons as a head coach. In 2009, he also resigned in the middle of Alabama’s season after the departure of star player Ronald Steele.