Sources: Howland to coach MSU

— -- Ben Howland has agreed to become Mississippi State's head coach, multiple sources told ESPN.

Howland was currently en route to Starkville, Mississippi, a source said. An official announcement is expected later this week.

Howland, 57, led the UCLA Bruins to three consecutive Final Four appearances from 2006 to 2008. He took UCLA to a first-place finish in the Pac-12 in 2012-13 but was fired following the season.

He has been a television analyst the past two years.

Howland would replace Rick Ray, who was fired Saturday after three seasons in Starkville. The Bulldogs were 13-19 this season and 37-60 in Ray's tenure.