Steve Lavin surprised UCLA didn’t have coach ‘in the wings’

Former UCLA head coach Steve Lavin decided to pipe in on his old school’s coaching search today. On SiriusXM’s College Sports Nation channel, he wondered why the Bruins the process has lasted almost a full week since Ben Howland’s official firing on Sunday.

“I’m surprised that they didn’t have their pick [waiting] in the wings because historically, programs like UCLA, they’ve got someone in the wings,” said Lavin, now coaching at St. John’s. “They are kinda treading water, but there’s been the wink and the understanding that it is a done deal.

“I know in my case Ben Howland was someone that was really in position six months, maybe even a year, in advance of him becoming the coach.”

UCLA fired Lavin on March 17, 2003. Howland was officially hired on April 2.

Lavin went on to endorse Washington coach Lorenzo Romar for the position despite “immediate sex appeal,” citing his style of play, ability to recruit Los Angeles and integrity. Both were assistants at UCLA under Jim Harrick, but Romar has been clear about his desire to stay at Washington.