Career Timeline of Steve Alford: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Steve Alford, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Steve Alford is an American college basketball coach and former professional player, currently the head coach for the Nevada Wolf Pack. He achieved prominence as a two-time All-American at Indiana University, leading the Hoosiers to a national championship in 1987. After a four-year NBA career, Alford transitioned to coaching, dedicating over 30 years to the profession at the college level.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

1983: Indiana "Mr. Basketball" Award

In 1983, Steve Alford averaged 37.2 points per game and earned the Indiana "Mr. Basketball" award. His team advanced to the state quarterfinal but lost to Connersville in the state tournament.

1984: Selection to the US Olympic Basketball Team

In 1984, Steve Alford was selected to play on the US basketball team for the Summer Olympics, coached by Bob Knight. He averaged 10.3 points per game and won the gold medal with his teammates.

1987: National Championship Win

In 1987, Steve Alford led the Indiana Hoosiers to a national championship.

1987: NBA Draft

In 1987, Steve Alford was drafted 26th in the NBA draft by the Dallas Mavericks, playing four seasons in the NBA.

1991: Head Coach at Manchester University

In 1991, Steve Alford began his college coaching career as head coach of the Division III Manchester University's basketball program in North Manchester, Indiana.

1993: Conference Tournament Title

In 1993, Manchester, under Steve Alford, won a conference tournament title.

1994: Conference Title for Manchester

In 1994, Manchester won a conference title under coach Steve Alford and competed in the NCAA Division III Tournament.

1995: Conference Title for Manchester and NCAA Division III Championship Appearance

In 1995, Manchester won a conference title under coach Steve Alford and advanced to the NCAA Division III championship game, finishing second in the nation.

1995: Head Coach at Southwest Missouri State University

In 1995, Steve Alford began his position as head coach at Southwest Missouri State University (now Missouri State University).

March 22, 1999: Head Coach of Iowa Hawkeyes

On March 22, 1999, Steve Alford was named the head coach of the University of Iowa Hawkeyes men's basketball program.

1999: Sweet 16 Appearance

In 1999, Steve Alford led the Bears to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament before losing to Duke.

2000: First Season at Iowa

During Steve Alford's first season as coach for Iowa in 2000, his team went 14–16.

2001: Hawkeyes' Conference Record Drops

During the 2001-02 season, the Hawkeyes' conference record dropped to 5–11, but they reached the finals of the Big Ten tournament before losing to Ohio State. They played in the National Invitation Tournament.

2001: Big Ten Tournament Win and NCAA Tournament Appearance

In 2001, Steve Alford's Iowa Hawkeyes won the Big Ten Conference men's basketball tournament and earned a #7 seed in the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament, defeating Creighton in the first round but losing to Kentucky in the second round.

2004: NIT Appearance for Iowa

In 2004, Iowa lost to St. Louis in the first round of the NIT to finish 16–13 despite a 9–7 conference record, the first winning Big Ten Conference record under Alford.

2005: Undefeated Season at Carver-Hawkeye Arena

During the 2005-2006 season, the Iowa Hawkeyes went undefeated at Carver-Hawkeye Arena.

2006: Fails to make NCAA

During the 2006–2007 season, Alford led the Hawkeyes to an 8–6 non-conference record (losing to in-state rivals Drake and Northern Iowa) and a 9–7 record in the Big Ten Conference (17–14 overall).

2006: Big Ten Tournament Win and NCAA Tournament Loss

In 2006, the Iowa Hawkeyes won the Big Ten tournament and were seeded #3 in the NCAA tournament, but lost in the first round to Northwestern State.

March 23, 2007: Named Head Coach at the University of New Mexico

On March 23, 2007, Steve Alford was named head coach at the University of New Mexico, replacing Ritchie McKay. In his first year, Alford posted a 24-9 record, with the Lobos being eliminated in the first round of the NIT by Cal.

2007: Resignation from Iowa and Acceptance of New Mexico Coaching Position

At the conclusion of the 2006-2007 season, Steve Alford resigned from the University of Iowa to accept the coaching position at the University of New Mexico, marking a significant shift in his career.

2007: Fails to make NCAA

2012: MWC Tournament Title

In 2012, Alford and his Lobos prevailed to a 69-58 conference tournament title. UNM received a fifth seed in the NCAA West region and defeated Casper Ware and the Long Beach State 49ers in their first game of the NCAA tournament before losing to the Louisville Cardinals.

2012: Mountain West Regular Season Conference Title

In the 2012-2013 season, Alford led his Lobo squad to a 26-5 regular season record, winning the Mountain West Regular Season conference title.

March 30, 2013: Signed Contract to Become Head Coach of UCLA Bruins

On March 30, 2013, Steve Alford signed a seven-year, $18.2-million contract to become the head coach of the UCLA Bruins.

2013: Hiring of Assistant Coaching Staff

Soon after his hiring in 2013, Alford filled his head assistant coaching staff position with Ed Schilling, David Grace and Duane Broussard.

2014: Bryce Alford Becomes Starting Point Guard

After Anderson and LaVine left UCLA for the NBA, Bryce Alford became the Bruins' starting point guard in 2014-15.

2014: Pac-12 Tournament Title and Sweet Sixteen Appearance

In 2014, Alford directed the Bruins to the title in the Pac-12 tournament. They advanced to the Sweet 16 of the 2014 NCAA tournament.

2015: Sweet Sixteen Appearance

In 2015, The Bruins reached the Sweet 16, becoming the lowest-seeded UCLA team to ever reach the regional semifinals.

2018: Departure from UCLA Bruins

In 2018, Steve Alford was fired midseason after spending 5 1/2 seasons with the UCLA Bruins.

December 31, 2018: Firing from UCLA

On December 31, 2018, UCLA announced that Alford had been fired, marking the first time the program had made a coaching change in the middle of the season.

April 11, 2019: Hired as Coach of Nevada Wolf Pack

On April 11, 2019, Steve Alford was hired as the coach of Nevada Wolf Pack.

2019: Contract Extension Through 2019-2020 Season

At the end of the season in 2019, Coach Alford received a ten-year contract extension through the 2019-2020 season, showcasing the university's confidence in his leadership.