By JOSH NEWMANSpecial to ZAGSBLOG Multiple outlets are reporting that there is mutual interest between Marquette and Ben Howland, and that the former UCLA head coach holds the program in high regard. A contract offer has yet to be extended. The Marquette job, arguably the top head-coaching vacancy at the moment, opened up on Friday afternoon when Buzz Williams left to take the head job at Virginia Tech for a reported seven years and approximately $18 million. After going 25-9 and winning the Pac-12 regular-season title last season, Howland was fired after 10 seasons in Westwood. In that time, Howland steered the Bruins to the 2006 national championship game and the Final Four in 2007 and 2008. Howland holds a career record of 398-205 in 19 seasons between Northern Arizona, Pittsburgh and UCLA. His four seasons coaching the Panthers from 1999-2003 produced 89 wins and two Sweet 16 trips. Sources confirmed to SNY.tv on Friday in the immediate wake of Williams’ departure that Howland wants the Golden Eagles job. That was first reported by ESPN’s Andy Katz. Follow Josh Newman on Twitter
