Brad Stevens plans on being at Butler next week, says Brad Stevens

Brad Stevens subtly hinted via Twitter that he intends to remain Butler’s head coach, shooting down speculation that he could be UCLA’s coach.

Here’s what the 36-year-old, who has led the Bulldogs to two national championship games, tweeted Friday morning:

Talking about history-steeped Hinkle Fieldhouse and yearning for spring ball is an awesomely basketball-romantic way of denying interest in another coaching job. We can pencil him in for remaining at Butler, at least for the next week or so.

There were rumors Thursday that Stevens was UCLA’s top target as they look to replace Ben Howland, and that the two sides were actually in negotiation. That was quickly followed up with news that Stevens was “highly unlikely” to move on from the job. However, Stevens refused comment, as has become customary when his name comes up with relation to various jobs.

This isn’t much of a comment, but it’s more than Stevens usually lets on -- and another sign that one of the hottest names in the coaching market remains steadfast in his desire to remain with the school where he’s spent his entire coaching career.

With Shaka Smart also turning down the opportunity to leave for UCLA, signing a contract extension at VCU, that’s two relative youngsters with recent Final Four trips at mid-majors who have opted to stay loyal to their institutions. They’re having success -- both guys have made the NCAA Tournament all but one year they’ve been in charge, and won tourney games this year -- and both are getting paid by their schools, so why not stick around if they feel they can continue to be successful?

• 16 things you should know about the Sweet 16

• Get ready for an all-B1G Final Four

• Bill Connelly: Here’s how FGCU beats Florida

• Sweet 16 power rankings: Cards still on top

• Printable bracket for March Madness