More Gossip On Coaching Search

by Nestor on Dec 2, 2007 1:39 PM PST in Football Comment 53 comments

From John Czarneki at Fox Sports:

Well, two NFL types are supposedly interested in UCLA, especially if Karl Dorrell is fired as expected.

Steve Mariucci, who is currently working as an analyst for the NFL Network, is being pushed by Casey Wasserman, a huge benefactor toward the Bruins' current massive remodeling of Pauley Pavilion, home of the basketball and volleyball teams. Before becoming an NFL head coach in San Francisco and Detroit, Mooch was the head coach at Cal, where he finished 6-6.

The other NFL name at UCLA is Baltimore offensive coordinator Rick Neuheisel, who knows the Pac-10 conference after coaching at Washington. Neuheisel's people are working hard behind the scenes to get his name into the mix.

One college coach who has apparently won't consider the UCLA job is Boise State head coach Chris Petersen, who is 23-2 after two seasons with a Fiesta Bowl win over Oklahoma.

UCLA also would be very interested in Dallas offensive coordinator Jason Garrett, but Garrett may have NFL options and would rather stay in Dallas than make a switch to college football.

Well the Wasserman/Mariucci angle makes sense. I have heard the same note. BTW this is the same Wasserman who made sure Howland had a jet available to fly in from Pittsburgh for his interview. If you have forgotten here is the flashback courtesy of the Daily Bruin from 2003:

According to the Los Angeles Times, Casey Wasserman, the grandson of deceased movie studio founder Lew Wasserman, provided a private plane to take Howland from Pittsburgh to California.

So yeah Wasserman matters a bit. And anyone who facilitated Coach Howland's arrival in Westwood gets huge prop from yours truly.

As for the strong push on Neuheisel, that's not much of a surprise. Coach Neuheisel has a strong network (the Shnues are a tight bunch believe me) within the UCLA alum community who have always been in his corner. I just don't think this campaign will not go anywhere given his track record at Boulder and at Montlake.

Wrt to Peterson, I know he is the number 1 choice of many on BN. However, I think he will be a tough get for UCLA, and I don't think money is the issue in this case. And I don't see the Garrett scenario going anywhere. I don't believe he would be a smart hire given what he have gone through hiring coaches with no head coaching experience.

GO BRUINS.

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Nestor, I learned very early in my law career

to never underestimate either other side. I also learned never to underestimate the stupidity of the other side. Until DG demonstrates that he will not try another experiment with someone without previous head coaching experience, I am not prepared to say that Jason Garrett can be ignored.

by Fox 71 on Dec 2, 2007 2:07 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Oops - bad edits

should be "to never underestimate the other side."

by Fox 71 on Dec 2, 2007 2:08 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I agree

But honestly I don't see the Garrett thing happening. Again it goes back to what I wrote earlier. Think who would plant that story in that NFL column. If I were the agent of Garrett, I would do everything I can to make sure my client's name shows up in these articles whenever there are openings. I don't think that name is being floated from the UCLA side.

As for the Wasserman angle, I heard of that one before I read this story.

by Nestor on Dec 2, 2007 2:13 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Shouldn't

I'm thrilled that Garrett is having the success that he is having in Dallas, but it's too soon to consider him as a head coach. I don't think he would be willing to leave the NFL.

by bruinbabe2000 on Dec 2, 2007 2:17 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Garrett

From what I heard he is basically being groomed by Jones to take over the Cowboys when he is ready. I don't see him leaving Big D either.

by Nestor on Dec 2, 2007 2:20 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Rumor is that

He was a leading candidate to take over after Parcells retired, but when Phillips was let go in San Diego, Jones thought better of it.

He's a bright guy (Ivy League graduate). I just think everyone needs to wait at least two more years before anything can be decided. See New Orleans this year as an example.

by bruinbabe2000 on Dec 2, 2007 2:25 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

No One Would Choose to Stay in Dallas

The choice between Westwood and Dallas is easy.

But, it's our choice, too. And, I agree with all that we need a proven, major college HC.

sjh

by Class of 66 on Dec 2, 2007 2:57 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Plus, Cazrnecki is their NFL guy, right?

So what would he know about Petersen's desire for the program?

I understand him having NFL-beat ties regarding Mariucci (former Lions head coach) and Neuheisel (current Ravens' excuse for an offensive coordinator).

This may be a fool's hope, I admit, but unless he's got a quote on Petersen, I ain't buying it yet.

"Because I'm tired of it. Year after year after year after year having to choose between the lesser of 'Who cares?'"

by Meriones on Dec 2, 2007 2:12 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

I have to agree

that we won't get Chris Petersen. The guy's name is spreading all around the country and while this offseason will see a big turnover in head coaches, next offseason will match it. I think Petersen is happy in Boise and will wait for the perfect job for him and unless youre a UCLA grad or fan, it's tough to consider UCLA the rperfect job for anyone.

by ryebreadraz on Dec 2, 2007 2:13 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Keep in mind

I am not closing the door on Peterson/UCLA angle. All I am saying is that this will be a tough one. And I agree with majority of folks here that he will succeed at a program which has a higher profile than BSU.

by Nestor on Dec 2, 2007 2:15 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm not closing the door either

but as his name has popped up more and more over the past couple weeks and more and more coaches seem to be on the hot seat for next season it's led me to believe we won't get him. However, that doesn't mean I don't think we have a shot at him. I'm just not getting my hopes up.

by ryebreadraz on Dec 2, 2007 2:17 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeap

That's the perfect perspective on not getting hopes up. We all need to be level headed like this.

by Nestor on Dec 2, 2007 2:19 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Petersen Shouldn't and Won't Speak Up Until

KD is fired.

He's a class guy, and it be wrong to say anything public now -- either in his own words or through spokespeople.

Also, his team's season isn't over.

So, I won't count him out until (1) KD is officially fired; and (2) CP makes a public statement that he is not interested in the job.

This reminds me of the Mark Few discussions during the search for the lizard's replacement. The rumors were that Few could not be moved, that he loved his outdoor life and easy commute to Gonzaga. But, when the job was really open, his people were apparently talking with our people -- he was interested.

I hope DG plays this right and that CP stays in the mix.

CP was my favorite pick until I read some of the great posts here -- I'm now very interested in Johnson.

Have to say, Mooch would be OK but not excite me.

sjh

by Class of 66 on Dec 2, 2007 3:03 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

What jobs are opening next season?

If Chris Petersen has a chance right now while he's a hot candidate to get a higher profile job, I think he owes it to himself and his family to try to pursue it now instead of waiting another year. He certainly owes it to BSU to make a quick decision about it instead of letting them twist in the wind for another season.

by UCLA4Life on Dec 2, 2007 9:43 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

First thing first

When is the DG-fires-KD's-ass news conference? KD still has the key to his office, and that doesn't sit well with me.

by bluegold on Dec 2, 2007 2:15 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Its coming bg

Its coming! :-)

by Nestor on Dec 2, 2007 2:17 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

If I don't hear anything tomorrow,

Then I'll start worrying. Right now, I keep my fingers crossed that DG is dotting his I's and crossing his T's on CTS's buyout.

by bruinbabe2000 on Dec 2, 2007 2:20 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Keep in mind

DG also need to take into account announcement for bowl games. When do BCS/bowl game pairings get announced?

by Nestor on Dec 2, 2007 2:21 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I think at 8 Eastern/5 Pacific

by bruinbabe2000 on Dec 2, 2007 2:21 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

The BCS selection show

is at 5 PST on Fox and then the rest of the bowls are announced between 5 and 8 PST on ESPN's selection show. Dohn has said though that the Las Vegas Bowl head has said we'll be going there IF Arizona St. goes to a BCS bowl.

by ryebreadraz on Dec 2, 2007 2:22 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Saw that note

I will be praying that ASU doesn't get a BCS bid. They don't deserve one any way.

by Nestor on Dec 2, 2007 2:24 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I hope they don't get one too

and it has nothing to do with ASU. It's just that if they don't get a BCS bowl bid, we drop to the Armed Forces Bowl which is 9 days later than the Las Vegas Bowl. That means 9 extra days to practice and that is key for a team that will be so young next year. It becomes even more important if Mariucci or someone without a job is hired because that's extra practices to evaluate the returning talent.

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

Practice Advantage

I was hoping we'd turn down a bowl game.

With so many graduating players, is there really an advantage to those extra practices?

How many "young" guys can take part?

Do our redshirts practice?

It's pretty clear that our "new" coach won't be involved. Has it ever happened that a "replacement" has stepped in to lead the practices and coach a bowl game. Although, if he's available, I suppose he can watch and evaluate talent.

I just don't want another chance to lose a lower level bowl game.

sjh

PS. To those of you who know our players, do they want to go? If so, I guess I'm all for it.

sjh

by Class of 66 on Dec 2, 2007 3:07 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Well if Mariucci is our coach

he can be there for practice. Brian Kelly coached Cincinnati in their bowl game last year too. He said it was a huge help for this year because he had a jump on player evaluation.

by ryebreadraz on Dec 2, 2007 3:45 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

While I hear ya on ASU and BCS . . .

Please Please PLEASE explain to me why the F*** Illinois deserves a BCS bid? The Big 10 conference is the ghost of a joke this season; its abominable that the "We-played-nobody-tough-OOC" Ohio State is being given yet another shot for the place money, and really insulting that another crappy big 10 team gets a seat at the big buck trough.

Proof positive that the Mad Bruin's theory is right on: Put butts in the Bowl seats, and you can write your own ticket. The Fighting Insurance Agents of Illness are comin' to Pasadena for the first time since their fabulous '84 appearance. They'll be destroyed by the trOJans, but sure as shit, next year there'll be 4 or 5 Big 10 stiffs in the Pre-Season top 25. Just watch

The Mad Bruin

by lostnacfgop on Dec 2, 2007 7:53 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

From Dohn today on candidates:

Guerrero declined comment on Dorrell's status. An announcement is expected Monday.

The intermediaries, both boosters and former players, made contact with former San Francisco 49ers and Detroit Lions coach Steve Mariucci, former UCLA quarterback and current Baltimore Ravens assistant Rick Neuheisel and the representatives of Texas Tech coach Mike Leach and Boise State coach Chris Peterson, according to sources.

Also, there is a contingent of alums pushing Bruins defensive coordinator DeWayne Walker to take over the program, sources added.

Link here.

Take it as you will, folks.

"Because I'm tired of it. Year after year after year after year having to choose between the lesser of 'Who cares?'"

by Meriones on Dec 2, 2007 2:15 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

"a contingent of alums pushing..."

I downright HATE this phrase.

5 years ago a contingent of alums pushed for KD.

by bluegold on Dec 2, 2007 2:19 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

it's the same as

"some say" tactic. That kind of reporting means nothing to me.

by Nestor on Dec 2, 2007 2:25 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I agree with you Nestor....

When a reporter says "some say" he often means "I say" or "someone I'm not telling you about with an agenda says." It's crappy, disingenuous, and lazy journalism.

BTW, thanks for staying on top of this. I don't post often, but I read every word of you post here.

by waters96 on Dec 2, 2007 2:38 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Neuheisel IS Howland

Shoulda been Donohue's Offensive Coordinator years ago...
Better than average Bruin QB
KNOWS and LOVES Bruin Football
It's his DREAM JOB, just like Howland
Determined to WIN NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS, just like Howland
Any so-called BAGGAGE came as a younger man anxious TO WIN
Dude became an ATTORNEY in his "spare-time" (smart as a whip)
Kids and their parents would LOVE to play for him (winner angle).
Everybody that knows him KNOWS that UCLA IS HIS DREAM JOB (cannot over-emphasize this point).
Dude is AGGRESSIVE in every sense of the word! NO DOUBT, Rick Neuheisel is THE ONLY VIABLE CANDIDATE ON THE PLANET that loves UCLA FOOTBALL MORE than anybody in BruinNation and beyond! Trust me, he WILL NOT SLEEP WELL after a Bruin loss or a sloppy Bruin Win.

Rick Neuheisel has been biding time to become the Bruins Head Coach! He's ready, and we're ready!

Come to think of it... he's more BRUIN than Howland!

His so-called baggage is a NON-ISSUE to those of us in Rick's generation. NON-ISSUE! If anything, he's a BETTER MAN FOR IT! (Didn't he beat the Huskies Ass in court?) I'm telling you guys, dude is the TOM OSBORNE, BOBBY BOWDEN, JOE PATERNO of UCLA FOOTBALL waiting to happen.

I hope he gets the job!

by class1984 on Dec 2, 2007 3:04 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Solid post 84

Coach Neuheisel is one of my favorite Bruin. I have written on him extensively here and here.

I personally am not against giving Coach Neuheisel a shot. However, I think his baggage will present an issue and paint a permanent target on UCLA's back (from the NCAA) (not fair I know).

I also think Coach Neuheisel will not be able to united the BN.

But I like the way you made your arguments.

by Nestor on Dec 2, 2007 3:10 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Regarding Baggage

If we were to go with Rick, couldn't we go the Indiana/Sampson route with the contract?

by Tydides on Dec 2, 2007 3:14 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

What's the IU/Sampson route?

T - forgive me. I have stopped paying attention to lesser programs. :-)

by Nestor on Dec 2, 2007 3:16 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm pretty sure

that they have the contract structured such that he is penalized (and can be terminated without a buyout) if he runs afoul of the NCAA, due to his "past".

by Tydides on Dec 2, 2007 3:19 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I'd imagine

If UCLA were to be even serious about RN, those kind of clauses would certainly be included in the K. It would be lack of due diligence IMO, if UCLA negotiators do not make sure those kind of clauses are inserted in any perspective employment K w RN. But I don' think the scenario wrt to RN will ever reach that stage.

by Nestor on Dec 2, 2007 3:22 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

The other thing, which N brought up

Is I think it would be best to make a clean break with the Donahue era. While it might be unfair to paint RN with such a broad brush right now, I think it can be understood why some of us have a foul taste in our mouths right now.

I would be supportive if RN gets the job, but I would like to see us go after some others first.

by bruinbabe2000 on Dec 2, 2007 3:14 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I'd Be Surprised if RN is Close to Donahue

After all, IIRC, RN left UCLA because Donahue, fearing RN's growing popularity with our fan base, refused to elevate him on the staff.

So, RN left -- and then Donahue left. Had Donahue treated RN well, had RN stuck around, RN would have replaced TD instead of Bob Toledo.

And, I believe, had he done so, he would still be our coach, today.

Like many here -- I have very mixed feelings about RN. But, '84's outstanding post really highlights the upside of RN.

I'm conflicted, but willing to consider him.

BTW -- the "betting" scandal was a front used to fire RN. IIRC, there were other "disclosure" issues involved -- and the betting was used as but one more example of why he could not be trusted.

I am the "give people a second chance" guy -- after all, I found little fault with hiring Eric Scott.

So, why am I conflicted?

I'm just not sure he is a good coach. I'm not sure his record is all that good. I really don't know enough, but will need to be convinced he can run a program, manage a program and WIN.

Thanks, '84 for the post. You have forced me to figure out how strongly I feel about RN and, having done so, I would like him interviewed.

sjh

PS. I agree -- we can control his behavior with clauses in his contract. He will have to accept them -- because the concerns are legitimate. With those controls, he will run a clean program.

sjh

by Class of 66 on Dec 2, 2007 3:30 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Point #10 may be the most important

This may be the biggest selling point for Rick. If I'm going to live and die with Bruin football, I want a coach who does the same. We know KD's position there. But while he was sleeping well, I was tossing and turning. So the choices for me and those like me are to get over it and quit caring (which I still refuse to do - I wore UCLA gear today and had a finger for any trOJie who wanted to mock me for it), or hope we find someone who's gonna care as much as me.

Petersen and Johnson may be more attractive candidates in terms of their football resume and potential, but it worries me when I read that someone is not interested in our program. We gotta have someone who wants to be here.

In the end, I trust (based on our more recent basketball and baseball hirings) that DG will do his due diligence and make the right choice, and I'll be willing to give the new coach all my support to begin with. But it would also go a long way to see a coach who inspires excitement and enthusiasm about our football program.

greg in denver

by gbruin on Dec 2, 2007 5:17 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

The fishwrap's take

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-dorrell3dec03,1,5176220.story?coll=la-headlines-sports

orrell will be fired this week and a short list of candidates has been assembled, sources familiar with the athletic department said today.
Boise State Coach Chris Petersen is said to be the first choice of Athletic Director Dan Guerrero, with Texas Tech Coach Mike Leach and former NFL coach Steve Mariucci considered among the other top candidates. Representatives on behalf of the UCLA athletic department have contacted all three, multiple sources said.
Former Washington and Colorado coach Rick Neuheisel, meanwhile, will not be considered for the job, according to one of the sources.

by bruinhoo on Dec 2, 2007 6:00 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

caption under Mooch's picture from the 'wrap

"Twice an NFL coach, including a 15-28 record most recently in two-plus seasons with the Detroit Lions, he's considered an offensive mastermind."

by bruinhoo on Dec 2, 2007 6:12 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

No news conference scheduled for Monday

according to that article.

Looks like we might be waiting a couple of days.

"It's not losing, it's bad defense that makes me shake" Lute Olson

by godblesstyus95 on Dec 2, 2007 8:07 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Petersen

Nice to see him being mentioned after other papers said UCLA wouldn't be interested.

That was a stirring write-up on Neuheisel, 1984. I'm convinced UCLA won't consider him too much due to the off-the-field stuff which is a shame.

by Raisin on Dec 2, 2007 9:03 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Rick Neuheisel

should be considered. I'm not saying he's our top candidate, but if DG is not seriously considering him, he should. The guy LOVES UCLA! This is our biggest advantage. I doubt he'd screw up here as he has in other places. This is his DREAM JOB for crying out loud. Not to mention he can recruit like nobody's business. I'm certain he would work his fingers to the bone to restore UCLA to its greatness. He would certainly give Pom-Pom Petey a run for his money. DG, if you're reading, take note of Neuheisel.

by OutOThsWrld on Dec 2, 2007 6:40 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

And Dorrell doesn't love UCLA?

I think Karl loves UCLA just as much prior to being named head coach. The question is can he be the one to lead the team to glory? The dark cloud that unfortunately hangs over his head may prevent him from being a serious candidate.

by UCLA4Life on Dec 2, 2007 7:48 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I disagree 100%

Nobody who loves UCLA would put it through what CTS has put it through. Maybe he doesn't read the papers or the blogs. But he is supposed to be a professional football coach. He is supposed to know things that we outsiders don't know. So by definition, he shouldn't have taken the job if he wasn't a professional, and if he was, he should have realized that he sucked and sucked horribly.

If he had landed the job at justsc, I can see him staying on to try to destroy that program. But he got the job at my alma mater (and allegedly his, although I have yet to see evidence that he got a degree), and has been terrible in his five years. If he loved the school as you postulate, he would step down for the good of the team.

But he won't do that, because he doesn't give a rats rear end about anyone but himself, as is evident from his scapegoating of his players.

by Fox 71 on Dec 2, 2007 8:15 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I think you misunderstood my post

I said PRIOR to taking the job. I think he truly believed he was the right man for the job when he was offered it and probably in his interview said how much he loves the school and blah... blah... blah... Of course afterwards he was in over his head, but he just couldn't give up all that $$$ and started to resort to a desperate attempt to save his job even though he was walking that green mile.

by UCLA4Life on Dec 2, 2007 8:20 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

If You Love Your School

You don't charge it with discrimination, claim that it doesn't pay you enough, and throw your players -- who are also a part of the Bruin family -- under the bus.

Sorry, I don't want to be loved like that.

sjh

by Class of 66 on Dec 2, 2007 8:51 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Right now

I think Dorrell loves UCLA just as much as that traitor Ken Norton Jr.

by UCLA4Life on Dec 2, 2007 9:46 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

More Rick

His latest work with Baltimore is not very inspiring. Perhaps that's why he wants out?

by BruinAl on Dec 2, 2007 7:38 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

While only the thought of Petersen

makes me throw aside my shawl and leap from my recliner with a fist pump, I believe that any of the other candidates could bring an amazing transformation in our focus, organization, energy, and offensive production, even though Mariucci is associated with the dreaded WCO. However, I believe he is smart enough to modify it for use at the college level, or to abandon it altogether if that is needed. I think Neuheisel would bring the quickest fix, but perhaps is not the best choice for the long haul. Anyway, let DG handle it; my faith in him is now restored, or soon will be. I see that we are playing BYU in the Las Vegas Bowl, a reasonable challenge. Maybe we can win one, and the extra practices will help. Off topic, too bad about the Texas BB loss, but if we had shot the ball a bit better in the first half, we wouldn't have been in such a tough situation. Not a bad loss, really, and a good time of the year for it.

by Oldguy on Dec 2, 2007 7:46 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

UCLA vs. BYU

It'd be strange if Bronco Mendenhall becomes the new UCLA coach before that game. Maybe he can coach both teams in the game.

by UCLA4Life on Dec 2, 2007 7:50 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Hahaahahaha....

...brilliant.

by cardom on Dec 3, 2007 4:19 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

ESPN reports on coaching rumors

ESPN's Joe Schad reports that "Karl Dorrell is expected to be out as UCLA coach as early as Monday".

A short list of candidates has been assembled, sources familiar with the athletic department told The Los Angeles Times on Sunday.

Defensive coordinator DeWayne Walker could be considered for the potential opening, according to Schad. Walker is also a candidate for the Washington State opening.

The Los Angeles Times is reporting that Boise State coach Chris Petersen is said to be the first choice of athletic director Dan Guerrero, with Texas Tech coach Mike Leach and former NFL coach Steve Mariucci considered among the other top candidates. Representatives on behalf of the UCLA athletic department have contacted all three, multiple sources said.

Take it for what it's worth...

by Odysseus on Dec 2, 2007 10:33 PM PST reply actions 0 recs