IOWA CITY – Iowa basketball coach Steve Alford said Wednesday he loves the Hawkeyes and has no immediate plans to interview for other coaching jobs.

“I’m the head coach at Iowa,” Alford said in a prepared statement. “My family and I love the Iowa program and community. We had a record-setting season … and I look forward to continued success with this program.”

Alford’s statement puts to rest – at least for now – speculation that he is considering a change.

Earlier this month, Alford was linked in media reports to the top job at Indiana, where he earned All-American status and led the Hoosiers to the national title in 1987. The Hoosier job opened earlier this month after the resignation of coach Mike Davis.

On Wednesday, Iowa Athletic Director Bob Bowlsby said Missouri officials had contacted him expressing interest in talking to Alford about the Tiger job.

Missouri “notified me they had a desire to talk with Steve,” Bowlsby told The Associated Press. “I duly noted it. Steve has a responsibility to notify me if he’s going to talk to anybody. He hasn’t done that yet.

“What it means is they have a chance to call him and he can decide whether he wants to go and interview.”

Missouri Athletic Director Mike Alden has been looking for a coach since Quin Snyder resigned on Feb. 12. In seven seasons, Snyder compiled a record of 126-91 and earned NCAA tournament berths his first four years in Columbia.

A telephone message left Wednesday for Alden was not immediately returned.

Alford also addressed the media speculation about his future at Iowa and interest in other jobs.

“I’m flattered with the interest and the recognition of the outstanding season we had this year,” Alford said. “With that success, comes attention and speculation I cannot control. I have not scheduled any interviews with any other institutions.”

Iowa’s past season was Alford’s most successful since coming to Iowa City seven years ago. The Hawkeyes finished second in the Big Ten and won their second Big Ten tournament under Alford. Iowa finished with a 25-9 record, won 17 straight home games and earned a No. 3 seed in the NCAA Tournament, but was upset in the first round by Northwestern State. His record at Iowa is 110-83.

But his contract is set to expire in 2009, and without an extension Alford cannot promise recruits he will be their coach through their senior year.