Colorado tabs Air Force's Bzdelik as new basketball coach

Apr 4, 2007, 17:35 GMT

Boulder, CO - Jeff Bzdelik, who posted a 50-16 record the past two seasons at Air Force, agreed on a five-year contract to become the University of Colorado's new men's basketball coach on Wednesday.

The contract includes an annual guaranteed salary of $750,000 and numerous incentives. Colorado will also pay Air Force the $270,000 buyout clause that is contained in Bzdelik's contract with the Falcons.

Bzdelik led Air Force to a 26-9 record this past season that culminated with a loss to Clemson in the NIT semifinals. In 2005-06, Bzdelik's Falcons went 24-7 and appeared in the NCAA Tournament for just the fourth time ever. In his two seasons at the Academy, Air Force was almost unbeatable at home, posting a 31-1 record.

'Jeff symbolizes all the essential leadership qualities that are important to successfully direct the Buff basketball program and represent the University of Colorado with class and distinction,' said Colorado athletic director Mike Bohn. 'His high level of professionalism, competitive spirit, work ethic and integrity makes him the perfect choice for our world class institution.'

Bzdelik also has experience in the NBA, having coached the Denver Nuggets for 2 1/2 seasons. During the 2003-04 campaign, Bzdelik improved the Nuggets by 26 games from the prior season and led Denver to the playoffs for the first time in nine years.

'With the hiring of Jeff Bzdelik, the University of Colorado at Boulder has made a strong statement about our values as well as our athletic aspirations,' said Colorado chancellor Bud Peterson. 'Coach Bzdelik's experience, commitment to excellence, concern for his players as scholar-athletes, along with his intensity and attention to detail, are a perfect fit for the type of environment we are creating here at CU.'

Bzdelik will replace Ricardo Patton, who left to become the head coach at Northern Illinois.

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