After days of speculation, Iowa basketball coach Steve Alford has told his players he is leaving Iowa to take over the coaching position at New Mexico. Alford had a 152-and-106 record in eight seasons with the Hawkeyes. He led Iowa to three NCAA tournament appearances and two Big Ten tournament titles, but had only one win in the NCAA Tournament.

Alford did not talk to the media Thursday, but several players confirmed that their coach told them he was leaving. Iowa lost in the first round of the Big Ten Tournament this year and ended the season with a record of 17-14 and failed to make the NCAA or NIT postseason tournaments.