Coaching Search Notes: Pavlov's Dogs Edition

by Nestor on Dec 16, 2007 9:52 AM PST in Football Comment 35 comments

Just as we expected the UCLA beat reporters are using the recruiting weekend to make a pitch for DeWayne Walker. From the LAT (emphasis mine throughout):

The current Bruins coaching staff and players were in Westwood trying to prevent a collapse on the recruiting front.

"I tell [the recruits] it's about the institution more than anything else," defensive end Bruce Davis said. "This is UCLA. There is going to be a good coach coming in."

Many recruits already think there is one in place.

Interim head Coach DeWayne Walker, who has been interviewed for the job, was responsible for a good portion of what is expected to be a talented recruiting class. His presence is a big reason that a mass exodus has not occurred.

Uh hum. Predictably Dohn from the Daily News stays on the same narrative without being subtle about it:

"I conveyed to them that there's a reason why we're still together," Walker said. "We started off with a vision, and I still believe in that vision. Hopefully, everything works out. These kids are good kids."

Several recruits already said they would stay if Walker remained on staff, but would go to another school if Walker left. Guerrero has made it known he would like to keep Walker on staff, even if Walker wasn't the head coach. Walker said he "lightly" discussed that possibility with the recruits.

"I let them know what I know," Walker said. "All I can say is, `Hey, I've interviewed for the job, and we'll wait and see what Dan decides to do. We'll know soon enough. It's about telling the truth. All I can do is tell them what's been told to me."

And Kevin Pearson from the Press Enterprise parrots the same talking points:

UCLA has what is nationally considered a top five recruiting class, but since the firing of Coach Karl Dorrell, many prospective players have backed off their once-solid commitments, visited other schools and said they will honor their commitments only if they are happy with the new coach.

Most have also said that retaining defensive coordinator and interim head coach DeWayne Walker, a prime candidate for the permanent job, and wide receivers coach Eric Scott is crucial to their signing with UCLA in February.

"Right now, we just want to get them together and have some fun," Walker said of the weekend activities. "That's all we can do -- be sincere about the situation and tell the truth about the situation and see what happens from there."

As I have said before on BN, these beat reporters are more predictable than Pavlov's dogs. And again given how I have been reading these guys day to day for more two decades and having a little clue on how this world works, I don't think it is unreasonable to suspect that these TPs are not appearing just by mere coincidence. So much for the firewall UCLA administrators should have established between Walker and the recruits. The way it reads in the press it looks pretty obvious that these recruits are campaigning for Walker who didn't do anything to discourage it or took the classy route of recusing himself from the process, allowing someone like Coach Kezerian, who didn't have a vested interest in the HCing sweepstakes to take the lead on representing UCLA.

Anyway, I didn't expect anything less from a self promoting hack like DeWayne Walker, and his lackies from Morgan Center and the traditional media, who are not being very subtle at this point on who they are rooting for to be the next HC at UCLA.

As for other candidates in this coaching "search," we don't have any new developments. ESPN has an article on John Harbaugh (peppered with references to Jim Harbaugh). Apparently UCLA is interviewing a coach who also pursued jobs at powerhouse programs such as some directional school in Michigan. And Dohn reports on the Chow interview in Kansas City.

At this point, given the names we have in public the only acceptable choice will be Rick Neuheisel. However, he will only be an acceptable choice as a second tier candidate, provided Dan Guerrero can show us tangible evidence that he made a concerted effort to pursue (not just via a phone call) coaches like Mike Leach, Bronco Mendenhall or June Jones with meaningful offers (that passes the laugh test) from UCLA. If DG cannot make the case how he pursued those aforementioned first tier options with due diligence before settling on an option such as Rick Neuheisel, the target will be squarely on his back, if UCLA doesn't win a BCS bowl game in next two years. And of course it goes without saying neither Walker or CHOKER are acceptable options at UCLA.

Update: WWL is now reporting WVU's Rich Rodriguez to Michigan. I wonder if UCLA's "search firm" inquired into the possibility of Rodriguez coming to Westwood?

GO BRUINS.

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It's a sad commentary on the HC search

when -- going into the 3rd week -- we are forced to look upon Neuheisel as our first choice, given all the other impalatable known options.

I hope there are behind-the-scene contacts with other candidates not known to the MSM.

This is wishful thinking, but could Harbaugh be interviewed to replace DW...because DG knows he's not naming DW as headcoach and knows that he won't stay and work under the new HC?

by bluegold on Dec 16, 2007 10:14 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Again

I will wait till we get our HC to reach conclusion on DG. But if the info played out in MSM turns out to be accurate, it will be hard to reach any other conclusion that this has been nothing short of a kabuki theater.

by Nestor on Dec 16, 2007 10:18 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

And THEN

Old Ricky goes out and gives the "finless" Dolphins their sole win of the season. 16-measly points vs. hapless Miami.

Shades of Notre Dame.

I dunno, boys. I was hoping for someone coming off a "high" year, not this. Baltimore's offense is horrendous.

GO BRUIN BLUE.

by theREAL_LOGAN5 on Dec 16, 2007 4:08 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

hmm

That certainly is terrible but how much of that loss can be blamed on RN versus the fact that Kyle Boller flat out cannot be a QB in the NFL

by blinkshot on Dec 16, 2007 4:19 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

probably most of it but

STILL. No Excuses. "Improvise, Adapt, Overcome."

How many of the "great" ones ever pointed to anyone besides themselves? When it came time for greatness they either did it or they didn't.

Boller IS garbage though... yet another Tedford washout? Ouch. I bet Tara Reid is somewhere drunk and still laughing about it.

GO BRUIN BLUE.

by theREAL_LOGAN5 on Dec 16, 2007 4:50 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

The sorry commentary is the reporting

It's not "reporting" when you make stuff up and call it a fact. Calling Walker a "prime candidate" for the job is a joke. How can he be a "prime candidate" when he doesn't have the first requirement - prior head coaching experience?

He might be a "hopeful" for the job, or an "outsider looking in" or a "head coaching wannabe" or a lot of stuff. But "prime candidate?" Nope, he isn't a prime candidate. If it were up to me, I would describe him as "not a candidate."

This mindless, incessant flogging of an unqualified person is bad reporting.

by Fox 71 on Dec 16, 2007 10:28 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

MSM etymology...

prime (prīm) Pronunciation Key
adj.

1. First in excellence, quality, or value. See Usage Note at perfect.
2. First in degree or rank; chief. See Synonyms at chief.
3. First or early in time, order, or sequence; original.
4. Of the highest U.S. government grade of meat.
5. Mathematics Of, relating to, or being a prime number.
------------------------------
In a "search" like this one, it's all too easy to paint shades of gray...

GO BRUIN BLUE.

by theREAL_LOGAN5 on Dec 16, 2007 4:12 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Petrino

Someone mentioned that the BN was being sort of hard on some alleged candidates. But there is nothing said here that comes remotely close to the flogging that both Petrino and Arkansas are taking from the announcers on the Tampa - Atlanta game. Matt Vasgergian and J.C. Pearson are taking them both apart. Good point as to Arkansas - they both made the point that Arkansas can never walk into any recruit's house and say anything to the effect that the coach will remain loyal or remain with the team or anything like that.

(OK, I know I violated the rule about announcers, but I didn't get home from church until the game was on, and I walked into the announcers ripping old Snake-Eyes and Arkansas, so I left it out.)

by Fox 71 on Dec 16, 2007 11:46 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Michigan

After almost a month of futzing around, Michigan landed an absolute grade-A+ top tier hire: Rich Rodriguez.

Meanwhile, UCLA is proving all of its detractors right ("UCLA will never be a top football program") by talking to second tier C+ hires and ignoring top candidates like Mike Leach for no good reason.

I can only hope UCLA pulls it off like Michigan has.

by njbruin on Dec 16, 2007 11:47 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Is that a done deal with Rodriguez?

by Fox 71 on Dec 16, 2007 11:49 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Yes

RR told his players already.

by njbruin on Dec 16, 2007 11:50 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Very close

And unless we have same kind of results at UCLA (in terms of Petersen, Leach or Mendenhall) it will be open season on DG from hereon out until he is forced out of UCLA.

by Nestor on Dec 16, 2007 11:50 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

DG knows this

DG has to know this. He knows that football is America's sport. He knows that having the best BB program and all-around college sports program in the country will not excuse a below average football program (sorry, average: 6-6). I truly believe that he cares as much about UCLA Football as anyone in the world. I will listen to anything he says, and ignore (as much as possible) all the rumors and other crap the media is throwing out to fill its columns. DG will get the best coach he can, not to save his own butt, but because he wants to see us win.

greg in denver

by gbruin on Dec 16, 2007 12:02 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I hope so

He has seen the results. He knows which candidates will get leeway, and which will have a short leash from the fanbase. He saw how Howland was given plenty of time after his 11-18 season to build the program his way. Candidates without HC experience will absolutely not get the same treatment.

by Tydides on Dec 16, 2007 12:07 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

BTW

Walker's actions are shameful and despicable here. He can say whatever he wants about just being the gee shucks honest guy, but he is digging his claws into these recruits. He knows that he can convince the buffoons at Morgan he is indispensable that way.

If UCLA were to hire, say, a Rich Rodriguez, I doubt many of those players would leave. If I was a kid I'd rather play for a wildly successful coach grooming one top NFL pick after another than some 2nd year defense coordinator with one good win under his belt.

by njbruin on Dec 16, 2007 11:52 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

We should be preparaing for Chow

I think the writing is on the wall for a Chow/Walker combo. Chow apparently wants the job at an affordable price and will reportedly keep DW. Its a done deal.

The interview of RN appears to be a gesture to placate a certain segment of donors.

I am assuming it wil be Chow/Walker. If so, I will be extremely disapointed.

BTW, how much did we pay the search firm to locate Chow, who would have come to UCLA regardles?

Would the search firm fees been enough to add to the $1.5-$1.7 that UCLA is reportedly wiling to pay to land a top tier candidate?

by Ajax on Dec 16, 2007 12:05 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

One way to prepare

See if DumpDan.com and CanChow.com are taken.

by Tydides on Dec 16, 2007 12:08 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I hope

That is already being done. We are seeing all kinds of signs at this point to give us the feeling we are headed that way.

by Nestor on Dec 16, 2007 12:21 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Rick Neuhiesel IS NOT a second tier candidate.

Rick Neuhiesel is a successful BRUIN QUARTERBACK, forced from HOME by a coach who wasn't big enough to deal with Rick's OBVIOUS CHARISMA/LEADERSHIP.

Heck, any SUCCESSFUL BRUIN ATHLETE who wants to come back and be a Head Coach in their sport is ALWAYS a first tier candidate... especially if they went elsewhere and established a winning record.

SUCCESSFUL ALUMS are ENTITLED TO AN AUTOMATIC SOBER LOOK (if they want it)! SUCCESSFUL ALUMS, in any/all of our sports were a huge part of BRINGING MONEY and NOTARITY to our program. They've AUTOMATICALLY earned the right to be heard, imho. Yeah, we OWE THEM. Big time.

Get real. Who could ever call PETER VIDMAR a second tier candidate? Ludacris. Jackie Joyner? Outlandish. Ann Meyers or Denise Curry? Insane. Lisa Fernandez? Whatareyousmokin. Heck... DORELL got a look BECAUSE he's a BRUIN (ahem, he's STILL a Bruin).

BRUINISM. That means somethin to me. Don't ever call OUR alums "second-tier" candidates. I'm insulted as a Bruin. It's Sunday, can I get an amen, somebody?

by class1984 on Dec 16, 2007 12:51 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

"Bruinism" got us KD

"Bruinism" is responsible for so many of our bad hires, and I'm looking especially at basketball here. What you mean by "bruinism" is "maintaining the old boys club" which runs contrary to the ideals of UCLA. The concerns about his 3rd and 4th season falloffs and his questionable ethics are legitimate, and are more than enough to make him a second tier candidate. The ones we want first are successful head coaches who don't carry baggage.

Save your faux outrage. There will be no "amen" here.

by Tydides on Dec 16, 2007 1:04 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Funny and true. Yet

I still like Neu.

by class1984 on Dec 16, 2007 3:24 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Piling on

'84,

Almost everyone here has strong feelings about RN, both for and against. I like your enthusiasm, but there isn't enough meat in the argument to just Shoe Him In and feel like we did anything bound to cure all our suffering. Pus, the thing is we've already dissected "RN the Head Coach" along a few different planes and what we came up with just did not put him on the top tier -- no where near it if you went out looking for Superstar Candidates, which we were/are.

Ricky has talent and yes he's blood. But there simply isn't enough evidence that he has the attention span to turn this ship around, develop multi-level success (dual/triple threat offenses, recruit like a madman AND turn a stagnating program around).

All we have is what we've seen and too much of that has been temporary (if, one dimensional) success punctuated by a troubling series of high-profile infractions/violations.

Obviously, he's on the list, but yeah -- "Bruinism" is simply not a basis for hire. How many other winning programs do we find putting that great an emphasis in this area?

GO BRUIN BLUE.

by theREAL_LOGAN5 on Dec 16, 2007 4:28 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

What are Neuheisals skills (besides QBs)?

Neuheisal is also the OC of the team that lost to the Notre Dame of the pros (Miami). Just imagine that type of offensive genius on our sidelines.

by kidro2001 on Dec 16, 2007 1:31 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Sorry, tried that with Dorrell

We've seen RN's act at CU and UW. While there were certainly some successful teams mixed in, his results were underwhelming.

He's not exactly blowing things up in Baltimore either.

by Ajax on Dec 16, 2007 1:44 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

You've Got One Amen

You've got one "Amen", but I'm a newbie, so my opinion doesn't count for much.

Rick Neuheisel would be a fine choice and it means alot to me that he's a Bruin. Bruins get it - non-Bruins take some time to catch on. That said, I'm also a big Norm Chow fan (Fox, I did my due diligence and read a bunch of the past dissenting posts as you suggested, but, respectfully, I remain unswayed.) His incomparable experience makes him, in my mind, a can't miss first choice.

Having said that, however, if I were Norm Chow, Rick Neuheisel, June Jones, Mike Leach, Bronco Mendenhall, Chris Petersen, Jim Harbaugh, you name it - I would absolutely not accept this job if it was conditioned upon DeWayne Walker remaining as the Defensive Coordinator. If it means losing every last recruit, so be it. A head coach needs to have complete control of the program including hiring whomever he believes can best get the job done. If that is not the case, he is a head coach in name only.

by snorkeldorf on Dec 16, 2007 2:35 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

How long did it take Howland?

Despite growing up here, Howland is not a Bruin the same way Neu is, but we embrace him as one of our own because he "gets it". The same goes for Coach Wooden. You don't need to go to UCLA to see what an amazing place it is. Trust me, it won't take long for any of our first tier guys to "get it", Bruin or not.

by Tydides on Dec 16, 2007 3:32 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Bruinism

Two comments.

First, "Bruinism" sounds like "Bloodlines" as discussed by that blithering idiot Doh!. If bloodlines meant anything outside horseracing, Mike Shula would have been a good coach. So the fact that Neuheisel might have been a Bruin is insignificant as far as I'm concerned. We're 0 for 1 in that regard (and some might say TD means we're 0 for 2.)

Second, Coach was a Boilermaker and Coach Howland was a Weber State whatever they are. We did fairly well going outside the list of alumni on those hires.

by Fox 71 on Dec 16, 2007 3:45 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Howland Grew Up Bleeding Blue

Howland grew up a Bruin fan. He went to UC Santa Barbara because he wanted to play and knew he wouldn't get the opportunity at UCLA.

Howland "had it" before he got here.

by snorkeldorf on Dec 16, 2007 3:49 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

It's still not "Bruinism"

The point remains that we do better with our coaching searches when we don't let "Bruinism" get in the way. In this context it looks like "bruinism" is used as a means to gloss over a candidate's shortcomings. A coach that wants to take the job here will be fully aware of the kinds of advantages UCLA has to offer. I'd rather we focus on coaching abilities rather than whether or not someone "gets it".

by Tydides on Dec 16, 2007 4:24 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Apologies for Inaccurate Post

Howland started his college playing career at Santa Barbara CC (not UC Santa Barbara) before completing it at Weber State. He went on to assistant coach at UC Santa Barbara before his first head coaching position at Northern Arizona.

My apologies for the previous inaccurate post.

by snorkeldorf on Dec 16, 2007 4:41 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

"AMEN"

(not before it was time)

GO BRUIN BLUE.

by theREAL_LOGAN5 on Dec 16, 2007 4:32 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Only SMU and UCLA coachless????

According to the following chart from CBS Sportsline, ALL coaching position vacancies have been filled EXCEPT for SMU (which has never rebounded from its post-Dickerson death sentence), West Virginia (which lost its coach TODAY) and UCLA. ARE YOU F*CKING KIDDING ME!?!?! DumpDaN.Com is looking like a reality.

by charnaw on Dec 16, 2007 4:34 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

The coaching carousel

http://www.sportsline.com/collegefootball/story/10491600

by charnaw on Dec 16, 2007 4:34 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

The day's not done

Look at that list of newly hired coaches. How many of those would we have been really really happy with? I see 2: Johnson and Rodriguez. Johnson was a long shot for us and Rodriguez was never really a consideration here.

So it's not like we've already missed on a bunch of great candidates. There are a lot more great candidates still out there, and when you look at the other major schools that still need a coach (SMU and UWV), UCLA is the premiere job.

So I'm gonna take that as reason for optimism (cause I need some...)

greg in denver

by gbruin on Dec 17, 2007 1:15 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs