Here’s what TCU’s Jamie Dixon said when asked about the UCLA job today

TCU men’s basketball coach Jamie Dixon is a leading candidate to take over at UCLA, according to a Los Angeles Times report.

Dixon refused to talk about any UCLA speculation during a media availability for the NIT semifinals on Monday at the Marriott Marquis in Times Square.

“I don’t talk about rumors, speculation ... no part of it,” Dixon told the Star-Telegram. “I don’t think it’s good for anyone involved. I stay consistent in that regard.”

It’s unknown if Dixon has interviewed for the position at this time. He is a North Hollywood native who grew up in UCLA’s backyard, and would make sense given his track record of success.

If offered the job, it may be the best opportunity for Dixon to take over one of the country’s most prestigious basketball programs. At 53, it’s fair to wonder whether an opportunity such as this would present itself again for Dixon.

For now, though, it’s just reports and speculation.

The most Dixon would say about his job, “For me, I’m just thankful to be coaching basketball and doing what I do.

“I can sit here and tell you this -- we’re coaching the game that we love and fortunate to be doing it as long as I have.”

When asked about the opening earlier this season, Dixon praised TCU chancellor Victor Boschini and athletic director Jeremiah Donati.

“Just so happy about being here and thankful for the situation I have – the best AD and best chancellor and my family’s happy,” Dixon said at the time. “So why would I be thinking about anything else?”

But Dixon never said he wouldn’t be interested if UCLA called. And rightfully so.

UCLA, despite its recent struggles, has won more national championships – 11 – than any other program in history. It’s the home to college basketball’s most prolific dynasty in the 1960s and 1970s under legendary coach John Wooden.

UCLA hopes to have a coach in place within the next week, according to the LA Times report. Along with Dixon, Cincinnati’s Mick Cronin is the other leading candidate.

The report also mentions fallback candidates such as St. Mary’s Randy Bennett, Texas’ Shaka Smart and former Phoenix Suns coach and UCLA alumnus Earl Watson.

UCLA reportedly made a six-year, $45 million offer to Kentucky’s John Calipari, but were turned down. That is the highest-profile coach UCLA has tried to woo since firing Steve Alford in December.

Dixon would be a solid alternative, as he’s a native son of the city and served as an assistant under former UCLA coach Ben Howland during Howland’s stops at Pittsburgh and Northern Arizona.

Dixon has turned TCU into contenders in three seasons. The Frogs won the NIT title in 2017, Dixon’s first season, and then snapped a 20-year NCAA Tournament drought last season.

TCU is back in the NIT semifinals this season, although felt it should have been selected for the NCAA Tournament.

If Dixon leaves, UCLA would have to pay an $8 million buyout to TCU, or possibly negotiate it down.

In his career, Dixon is 395-163 in 16 seasons at Pittsburgh and TCU. He’s reached the NCAA Tournament 12 times, going as far as the Elite Eight in 2009.

TCU and Texas square off in the NIT semifinals on Tuesday at New York’s Madison Square Garden.

This story was originally published April 1, 2019 at 7:22 PM.