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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Southern Oregon construction industry finds subcontractors in short supply ... Death of transportation bill costs Jackson County $10 million ... Phoenix downtown in for big changes ... Southern Oregon construction industry finds subcontractors in short supply ... Death of transportation bill costs Jackson County $10 million ... Phoenix downtown in for big changes ... COLLEGE BASKETBALL Howland introduced as Mississippi State coach Comment By The Associated Press MailTribune.com By The Associated Press Posted Mar. 24, 2015 at 7:41 PM By The Associated Press Posted Mar. 24, 2015 at 7:41 PM » Social News STARKVILLE, Miss. — Ben Howland's coaching career has made the unlikely trek from Westwood to Starkville, with a TV timeout in between. The 57-year-old was introduced as Mississippi State's new men's basketball coach Tuesday afternoon on the floor at Humphrey Coliseum. The former UCLA coach — who led the Bruins to three straight Final Fours from 2006 to 2008 — takes over a program with only a fraction of the national prestige, though the Bulldogs did make their one and only Final Four appearance in 1996. "That is our goal," Howland said. "To get back there again." Howland replaces Rick Ray, who was fired on Saturday after a 37-60 record over three seasons, including a 15-44 mark against SEC competition. The coaching search that led to Howland barely lasted two days. Mississippi State athletic director Scott Stricklin said he had phone conversations with Howland on Saturday night and Sunday, and then the two met in Atlanta on Monday to finalize a deal. Stricklin said Howland has a four-year contract that will pay an average of $2.05 million annually. The four-year deal is the longest allowed by state law in Mississippi. Howland "was hungry, and ready to get back into coaching," Stricklin said. "I was really surprised he was still on the market and I wanted to take advantage of that." Howland will inherit a veteran team, including starters Craig Sword, Fred Thomas, I.J. Ready and Gavin Ware. But the group hasn't had much success together — the Bulldogs had a 13-19 record last season, including a 6-12 mark in the SEC. Howland, born in Lebanon, Ore., has won every where he's been during a 19-year career at the Division I level. He led Northern Arizona and Pittsburgh to the NCAA Tournament before taking over at UCLA. By The Associated Press MailTribune.com By The Associated Press Posted Mar. 24, 2015 at 7:41 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... Business Name address Location, ST | website.com Find Southern Oregon Attractions Bars Restaurants Beauty Salons Entertainment Doctors Medical Specialists Contractors Education Lawn Services Lawyers Shopping Travel Tanning Used Cars Wedding Services ▼ Add your business here + Events Calendar Connect with MailTribune.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services Home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Your privacy is important, read our privacy policy. © Copyright 2015 Local Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Local Media Group Publications Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. MailTribune.com | P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501