Boulder, Colo. ? Coach Jeff Bzdelik became the new coach at Colorado on Wednesday, leaving the top job at Air Force and signing a five-year deal with the Buffaloes.

Bzdelik, who had two successful seasons at Air Force, agreed to a deal worth $750,000 annually plus incentives, Colorado athletic director Mike Bohn said.

At Air Force, Bzdelik had a 50-16 record with an NCAA tournament appearance last season and a trip to the NIT final four last week.

“I love the Air Force Academy. I love Colorado,” Bzdelik said at a news conference. “I am very blessed (that) I had two great, great opportunities here in a state that I love. My family loves the state.”

Bzdelik said other schools called him, but “I just told them flat-out no as soon as I took the phone call.”

Colorado paid Air Force $270,000 to buy out Bzdelik, who had four years left on his contract with the Falcons.

Bzdelik replaces Ricardo Patton, who resigned after 11 seasons and was hired as head coach at Northern Illinois last month.

“Jeff symbolizes all the essential leadership qualities that are important to successfully direct the Buffs basketball program and represent the University of Colorado with class and distinction,” Bohn said.

As late as Tuesday night, Bzdelik was undecided about accepting Bohn’s offer.