Alford says his home is in Iowa, not Indiana

The speculation is over, University of Iowa basketball coach Steve Alford is staying a Hawkeye. There’d been rumors flying he’d jump at the top job at Indiana, with Sunday’s firing of his old coach Bobby Knight — but Alford made it clear, he’ll remain in Iowa City. Alford has several ties to Indiana. He played for Knight and led the Hoosiers to the national championship in 1987.Alford said he made a promise to Iowa athletic director Bob Bowlsby when he was hired a year and a half ago. He says one of the things mentioned was other Big Ten schools and Alford says he gave his verbal assurance he would not pursue jobs at other Big Ten Schools.Alford says he needed to put speculation to rest, so he can ensure his team and the University that he is not leaving. Alford says the issue has come up as he makes recruiting visits.Iowa athletic director Bob Bowlsby says he discussed the situation with Alford after fielding repeated media calls on Sunday following Knight’s firing.Practice starts next month with Alford beginning his second season coaching the Hawkeyes.