Challenges in the Life of Steve Alford in a Detailed Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 22, 2025

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Steve Alford's life and career.

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

1976: Hawkeyes failed 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). It marked the first time since the 1976–1977 season that an Iowa team with a winning record has failed to make either the NCAA tournament or the NIT.

1977: Hawkeyes failed to make NCAA

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.

2003: NIT Appearance and Pierce Incident

In 2003, the Hawkeyes appeared in the NIT, losing to Georgia Tech in the third round. That season, leading scorer Pierre Pierce was charged with raping a female Iowa athlete.

2005: NCAA Tournament Loss and Pierce Dismissal

In 2005, the Iowa Hawkeyes lost to Cincinnati in the first round of the NCAA tournament. Pierre Pierce was charged with sexual assault and dismissed from the team, affecting Alford's reputation among Iowa fans.

2006: Fails to make NCAA

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.

2007: Fails to make NCAA

2010: Struggles During 2010-2011 Season

The 2010-2011 season started with Alford's group at 12-4 after non-conference play, but the team struggled to an 8-8 conference regular season record.

2011: ACL Injury and NIT Loss

In 2011, an ACL injury to Gary proved too much to overcome for the UNM squad during the MWC conference tournament. The 2010-2011 season ended with an NIT loss to Alabama 74-67.

2011: Rough Start to the 2011-2012 Season

The 2011-2012 season began with a rough patch. UNM was picked to win the league for the first time in Alford's five years at the helm, but the team started with a questionable 2-2 record.

2013: MWC Coach of the Year Honor and NCAA Tournament Upset

In 2013, Alford won his third MWC coach of the year honor. However, Alford and his No. 3 seed Lobos were upset by a 14th-seeded Harvard team in the NCAA tournament.

2015: Losing Record

In the 2015-16 season, UCLA finished with a 15-17 record, the fourth time the program finished with a losing record since 1948.

2018: Departure from UCLA Bruins

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

2018: Loss in First Four and Another Banner

In 2018, UCLA lost 65-58 to St. Bonaventure in the First Four, and another banner was flown over campus reading "Final Fours not First Fours #FireAlford."

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.