Amid UCLA speculation, TCU’s Jamie Dixon officially hires new assistant

TCU coach Jamie Dixon is a leading candidate to become UCLA’s next basketball coach.

But Dixon didn’t say much about the speculation on Monday, simply stating he’s thankful to be coaching the sport he loves. Whether Dixon departs for Westwood will be known in the coming days.

In a bit of irony, though, Dixon formally announced the hiring of Duane Broussard as an assistant coach on Tuesday. Broussard spent the last six seasons as an assistant at -- where else? -- UCLA.

“Duane has a long history in college basketball and has been around a lot of talented players and coaches,” Dixon said in a statement. “He’s a person of high character and is well respected throughout the coaching profession. I’m really excited to have Duane and his family join us at TCU.”

Broussard, a Sugar Land native, helped the Bruins to four NCAA Tournaments, including three Sweet 16 runs. He’s also a well-respected recruiter, helping UCLA land top-five classes in four of the past five years.

Before going to UCLA, Broussard spent 10 seasons at New Mexico under Ritchie McKay and Steve Alford. He’s also worked at Bradley, his alma mater.