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Report: Former UCLA Coach Ben Howland Interested In Open Rutgers Post

PISCATAWAY, N.J. (CBSNewYork) — According to CBS's Eye On College Basketball insider Gary Parrish, former UCLA head basketball coach Ben Howland is interested in the open position at Rutgers.

Sources told CBSSports.com that Howland is "intrigued" by the possibility of becoming Rutgers' next head coach and third-party discussions gauging interest on both sides have already taken place.  Mike Rice was dismissed after a practice video emerged showing Rice verbally and physically abusing his players.

Howland spent 10 seasons at UCLA, guiding the Bruins to a 233-107 record (.685) during his decade at Pauley Pavilion.  He led the Bruins to three consecutive Final Four appearances between 2006-08.

In the 2006 NCAA championship game, Howland's Bruins lost to Florida, 73-57.

Should Howland eventually become the next head coach of Rutgers, it would be a big step forward for the university, who are currently dealing with the fallout from the Mike Rice player abuse scandal.

Would Howland restore the luster on the Rutgers basketball program?  Sound off below...

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