"That was the first time that it really hit me," said Howland, whose coaching career began 32 years ago as an assistant for Gonzaga. "I've never had time off at this time of year. (This visit) is special for me with Jamie, obviously, because of our close relationship."
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Howland’s run at UCLA came to an end after a fifth consecutive season of failing to reach beyond the round of 32 in the NCAA Tournament, but it’s all too easy to forget about his three straight trips to the Final Four in 2006-08 with players like Kevin Love, Darren Collison, Russell Westbrook, Aaron Afflalo, Alfred Aboya and Luc Richard Mbah a Moute, and the seven conference championships he’s won over his entire head coaching career.
When Howland wants to get back into the game, he will have his share of suitors. And Howland wants this hiatus to last only one season.
"I'm hoping someone will hire me," he told the Post-Gazette. "Whoever that is, I have no idea."
