Cal Fires Campanelli, Assistant Takes Over : College basketball: Coach had signed a five-year contract extension in June.

The University of California fired basketball Coach Lou Campanelli Monday night and named assistant coach Todd Bozeman to the post for the rest of the season.

Campanelli signed a five-year contract extension only last June.

“We’re making the change because I wasn’t happy with the direction of the basketball program,” Athletic Director Bob Bockrath said at a news conference.

The Bears, 10-7 overall and 4-5 in the Pacific 10, are tied for sixth place in the conference with UCLA. The Bears have lost their last three games since a 16-point victory over Wake Forest.

“We all want to thank Lou for his many contributions to helping the basketball program here at Cal, but I think our program needs a fresh approach at this time,” Bockrath said.

No other Cal coach won more games in his first five years on the job than Campanelli, who joined the Bears in 1985.

Said USC Coach George Raveling: “They start two freshmen and two sophomores. I don’t know of any other coach who has been fired in the 31 years I’ve coached that has shocked me more than this one. If I had to pick any guy in the league who would be fired, I’d start with me. . . . and I just signed an extension.”

Brian Cousins, a USC assistant, noted Campanelli, who successfully recruited high school sensation Jason Kidd from St. Joseph’s in nearby Alameda, also recruited 6-foot-11 center Michael Stewart from Sacramento area.

“Every school in the Pac-10 wanted him,” Cousins said. “He beat us all to get him. It’s surprising (the firing). You never know.”

During Campanelli’s second season with the Bears, the team earned its first 20-victory season (20-15) since 1960.

Campanelli, who was informed of the decision Monday afternoon, scheduled a news conference for today.

In 1989-90, Campanelli guided Cal to its first NCAA tournament appearance since 1960, advancing to the final 32.

Bockrath indicated a nationwide search for a new head coach would begin immediately.

Bozeman, 29, in his third season with the Bears, came to Cal following two seasons at Tulane.

“The circumstances obviously are not ideal, but it’s a great opportunity for me,” Bozeman said. “I welcome the challenge. Right now I want to focus on keeping the guys positive and trying to finish out the season real strong.”

During the 1985-1986 season, Campanelli’s team ended a 52-game losing streak to UCLA by beating the Bruins, 75-67.

He previously served as head coach at James Madison for 13 years, leaving the college with a 238-118 record.

Campanelli has a bachelor’s degree in health and physical education and master’s degree in physical education from Montclair State.

The 1989-90 record of 22-10 was the school’s best in 30 years.

This season the Bears were ranked as high as No. 19 after a 5-0 start. The Bears lost, 93-81, to No. 8-ranked Arizona Sunday in their last outing.

“We just weren’t patient enough to get the ball where we wanted it (in the first half),” said a frustrated Campanelli after the defeat. “We will be the next game; you can take that to the bank.”

The patience may be there but Campanelli won’t.

UCLA Coach Jim Harrick said: “I’m stunned. I can’t think of anything else to say. He was a fellow coach and a friend.”