BOULDER, Colo. — Colorado has hired Tad Boyle to take over its men's basketball program.

Boyle led Northern Colorado to a school-record 25 wins last season. He replaces Jeff Bzdelik, who left for Wake Forest last week.

Boyle was among three candidates known to have interviewed with athletic director Mike Bohn. The others were Oregon assistant Mike Dunlap and Buffaloes associate head coach Steve McClain.

Several Colorado players, including Big 12 freshman of the year Alec Burks, had lobbied for McClain's promotion, hinting that some players might leave the program if another coach was hired instead.

Before his departure, Bzdelik had said he thought the Buffs could reach the NCAA tournament next year if he could land a few taller recruits to go along with his strong backcourt.