It's Nice To Finally Win One

by Guest Blogger on Dec 30, 2007 12:51 PM PST in Football

Ladies and gentleman: Bruin Blue. GO BRUINS. -N

I'm not talking about me, of course. I'm talking about UCLA football; and how nice it feels to finally see UCLA hire a good football coach. This is the first time I've been excited about a hire in football since Dick Vermeil; and that's thirty long years.

I know that Rick Neuheisel is not the perfect coach; but very few are. And I tend to think that whatever success he has had--and he certainly has had it--he is going to have more success here. He is older, and more experienced, both in life and in coaching. And no one can say that Neuheisel is not a bright guy. He has coached at two major programs; seeing what worked and what did not. He will now have access to perhaps the best talent base in the nation right here in Los Angeles. And of course he knows what is needed and expected here, at his dream job. His first comments on Saturday, about how he has great respect for Pete Carroll; and that he knows it is up to him to make the UCLA-USC game the biggest rivalry game in the nation, evince his awareness of what will be necessary to take on that behemoth across town, and make them respect us, if not fear us. This is not someone who is going to come into UCLA and try to deflate expectations. Just that alone should make us very happy, after so many years of being mostly told that we should be satisfied with our current nondescript status.

After the anxiety and ups and downs of the last four weeks, I am just very glad and relieved that it came out so positively. There were of course our "dream candidates," but there were plenty of "disaster candidates," and of course some in between. As I have recently written; of the remaining credible candidates, I believe that Neuheisel was the best. How often do you get to hire someone with a .688 winning percentage, achieved at two major programs? We are already getting good national press about this. People are not seeing UCLA make another hire of an unproven assistant, or a little known head coach; they see that we are getting someone who has been a successful head coach at the highest levels. That infusion of new interest in, and respect for, our program has to help us. It's just nice to see UCLA being taken seriously once again, even in the first two days of the Neuheisel era.

Of course, the initial excitement inevitably wears off, and there is much to do. But at least it will for once be fun to follow it. I so vividly remember how utterly dispirited I was when Karl Darrell was hired. I was certain that he would not be successful (I don't think even I could imagine how bad he would actually be), and I really wanted to just get away from the whole thing. And for five years I have not cared about recruiting, have not cared what assistants we hired; to me it really didn't matter much. But now I think we can all enjoy the football off-season (while we are avidly following our basketball team, of course), and actually have fun following the recruiting and the Spring practices. And for once we will not have to be embarrassed about the football coach we have; for we now have Ben Howland in basketball and Rick Neuheisel in football. That sounds pretty good to say, doesn't it?

It's not going to be all happy times, of course. Our talent level is severely depleted. We have a murderous schedule next year. And we currently have some people who are hoping for Neuheisel to fail. Hopefully, these numbers will lessen as time goes on. But it's going to be a new position for me, at least; defending the football coach against those who are angry that Dorrell was fired; those who desperately wanted Walker; those who simply don't like Neuheisel; and those who just hate UCLA on general principles. I'm not too worried about it; but in some sense this is a major new step for UCLA; and those both inside and outside the university who were happy with the way things were running before, are going to be unhappy about the new state of affairs, and we'll undoubtedly hear from them. But it's sure fun to be on the side in the ascension, for once.

Not to lessen the happy mood, but I always want to say what's on my mind; and I am concerned about the Walker situation. I know that Neuheisel indicated that "Walker is my first recruit," and so if he is happy to keep Walker and his other defensive staff, it's fine with me. I do hope that Walker will thoroughly dedicate himself to helping the team win, no matter what it takes. I hope that he will not feel that he is anything but an assistant to Neuheisel, who is the head coach. I do not want to see him relying upon any of his media supporters to advance his personal career, wherever it might ultimately take him. After the first game or games, I do not want to see or hear about "Walker's defense vs. Neuheisel's offense," or anything implying that there are two coaches here. Frankly, I have mixed feelings about Walker staying, if only because of the all-out campaign which has been waged on his behalf, and the inevitable aftermath of that. This kind of situation doesn't usually work; but maybe it will here, for everyone's benefit. All we care about is for UCLA to have the kind of football program we are proud of; and that can only happen with everyone on staff on the same page. As for certain of the beat writers--well, all we can do is either ignore them, or unmask them for what they are. Let's hope that if others are expected to learn from their mistakes, they can, too. We will just see.

It's been a lot of fun writing these essays and sharing my thoughts. And I am so impressed with the level of intelligence and literacy, which I see from the many contributors to Bruins Nation. Depth of insight and football knowledge, almost always expressed by people who actually know how to write well--it always makes it rewarding to read the various comments and essays. And it will be nice now to be able to visit without my nerves being on edge, afraid to read that some awful hiring scenario was unfolding. Time for us to all to just indulge ourselves for awhile, secure in the confidence that we now have two major seasons to look forward to each year, not just one. And come to think of it, baseball is looking pretty good too, isn't it? Well, it's never good to get too gushy; because my natural tendency is to have high expectations and to be disappointed if they aren't borne out. But I'm pretty pleased right now, anyway. And thanks again to everyone here who added to the intelligent and thoughtful atmosphere; and of course to everyone who was kind enough to let me know that they enjoyed reading my essays.

I'll be back, no doubt; but I might take a rest for just a bit, But I'm sure that there will be plenty to discuss in the upcoming weeks and months, and I look forward to adding my thoughts as well.

-Bruin Blue

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I would like to see Walker

speak after Dan and Coach Neuheisel at the press conference tomorrow saying that he's excited at the opportunity to work under RN as his DC and that his campaigning for head coach is done. After that we can all be sure that DG, RN, and DW are all on the same page regarding who's running the football team.

by mark the bruin on Dec 30, 2007 1:05 PM PST reply actions

Im thrilled that you're thrilled

I am really excited about Neu, but I admit I don't have as many years invested or the knowledge you have. To me it seems obvious that he is good simply because of charisma and experience. I was honestly horrified at the thought of Norm or Dewayne or even Norm and Dewayne.

I've been following your takes and I think it is a really good sign that you are pleased with this. Keep posting.

------ formerly bruinmikeh

by bruinduro on Dec 30, 2007 1:14 PM PST reply actions

Talent Level and 2008 Schedule

You made two excellent points in your commentary about next season, which should not be lost in the justified excitement over the start of the Neuheisel era. Looking at the 2007 media guide, there were 7 senior starters on offense, and 10 senior starters on defense. That is one aspect of what is so frustrating about the Dorrell era. He managed to run the program into the ground (like Lavin) and also left the cupboard pretty bare.
In terms of 2008, the Bruins start with 3 games against Bowl teams before their first bye. They also play at Oregon, at Cal, and at Ariz St. Hopefully, we can show the same patience that we showed Howland, and leave the Walkeristas to do their howling by themselves.

by islandbruin on Dec 30, 2007 1:42 PM PST reply actions

I think people will be patient.

What they'll want to see are teams that are well-prepared, well-disciplined and never give up and a coach who makes good decisions during games.

And what if we actually do have at least two incredibly talented quarterbacks who were just hamstrung by a terrible offensive scheme and an incompetently coached offensive line?

I remember when Phil Jackson took over the Lakers. The same players who'd been bounced out of the playoff in the first round the year before won the championship. And John Wooden took a team that had come in last place in the conference and that had lost most of it starters to graduation all the way to the conference championship in his first year.

I'm not predicting that we're going to win the conference next year, but I think we're going to surprise a lot of people. We all know what a difference coaching makes.

Plus, what if some of our senior starters weren't actually the best players? What if Dorrell was starting some of the wrong people?

by Chandler on Dec 30, 2007 1:55 PM PST up reply actions

Exhibit A

Just look at ASU this year. Yes, no question they had an easier schedule then we will have next year, but they are truly a great example of the difference coaching can make.

And I believe our returning core is at least as talented as the team Erickson took over at ASU.

by Free the 16 on Dec 30, 2007 9:47 PM PST up reply actions

Ibidem

"I'm not too worried about it; but in some sense this is a major new step for UCLA; and those both inside and outside the university who were happy with the way things were running before, are going to be unhappy about the new state of affairs, and we'll undoubtedly hear from them. But it's sure fun to be on the side in the ascension, for once."

I am not sure from which era you hailed, but if you explore some of the posts by those in the 60s (i.e., "Class of 66", etc.) you will read the words of those of us who lived through the trailing years of Billy Barnes. It was an amazing time, that first season of Tommy Prothro's. We had no one to speak of available to play (just some kid named Beban who had been a single-wing tailback for Sequoia High School in Redwood City), had just had our heads handed to us by the Soiled Condoms, and really weren't expecting football to go anywhere. Besides, everyone was buzzing about the back-to-back NCAA roundball championships.

Then, almost out of nowhere this momentum started to build that September. It wasn't that we were winning games (indeed, by the first week in November we had only one loss) but that we were surprising people and kicking some major ass. It was the style of play that impressed; trick sleeper plays in the Missouri and Washington games ; surprise quick kicks on third down to bury the opponent way deep in their own territory; fake punts that caught people napping.

Anyway, people really started getting excited about football (as Bruin Blue articulates so well). The icing on the cake, of course, was Beban's and Witcher's and Grider's and Altenberg's incredible victory over SC and the blood and guts upset of MSU in the Rose Bowl.

We had arrived and, if you will check Tommy's record, stayed for most of his time here.

Truth be told, it wouldn't have mattered to us if we had a few more losses, we were really stoked to just watch those games. Aside from the excitement, there was almost a sense of "contentment" in knowing that, in football, things were being "taken care of".

Like BB and so many others here, I have the same strange sense of "contentment" now that things will be looked after on Neuheisel's watch.

by whp68 on Dec 30, 2007 4:38 PM PST up reply actions

Walker's best career move is to succeed at UCLA

Walker may or may not like the situation he's in and may or may not like Neuheisel himself, but it's in his interest to learn from his mistakes and do a great job for one or two years, after which he probably will be offered a good head coaching job.

And it's in Neuheisel's interest to tell Walker that if he does a good job for the Bruins for one or two years, he will do everything he can to help him get that next job.

I think that Walker probably is a pretty good coordinator who has some specific, glaring weaknesses that have been much discussed here. If he can overcome those, he'll be fine and so will UCLA.

We'll have a young team next year, but a talented one with a great head coach and offensive mind plus a defensive coordinator that does seem to get his troops up for the games. This could work.

by Chandler on Dec 30, 2007 1:43 PM PST reply actions

definitely

if he tries to corrode the situation in any way or doesn't try after what they've given him, then he's stupid. So far Rick is being diplomatic and that will help the situation. Those recruits are UCLA's recruits.

"Call it, Friend-O"

by bruin95 on Dec 30, 2007 5:49 PM PST up reply actions

History according to me

RN should have replaced Terry Donahue in 1995, but he was not going to abandon Colorado after 1 year as head coach. After he left, Colorado then went on to have more scandals that had nothing to do with RN. I think Colorado has added infrastructure to keep things under control. But Colorado had a rough 10 years after RN left...Just ask Gary Barnett.

RN should have replaced Bob Toledo, But because of his situation in Washington, that was not to be. with regards to the events that happened in Washington, this is just plain flat bizarre. Since there was a 4.5 million dollar settlement from the NCAA and the university, looks as if the blame is not all RN's. I don't know if the NCAA was just wanting to penalize RN because of the violations in Colorado that were his responsibility. (We know how the NCAA is tenacious about violations and making sure punishment is dealt out...Cardinal and gold?)
I look forward to RN's future at UCLA. I think it is the job he wanted while an assistant at the school.

Spring football is When?

by capecharles17 on Dec 30, 2007 2:02 PM PST reply actions

Spring football is When?

..not soon enough.

by whp68 on Dec 30, 2007 4:40 PM PST up reply actions

Very nicely said

"And it will be nice now to be able to visit without my nerves being on edge, afraid to read that some awful hiring scenario was unfolding. Time for us to all to just indulge ourselves for awhile, secure in the confidence that we now have two major seasons to look forward to each year, not just one. And come to think of it, baseball is looking pretty good too, isn't it? "

Just wanted to repeat this one point, because it says so well what so many of have felt for too long.

Thank you for taking the time to express this shared passion, and for doing it so well.

by Bruinut on Dec 30, 2007 2:19 PM PST reply actions

Let's not kid ourselves: Walker won't work out

Already we are hearing about "Walker's recruits" and not UCLA's recruits. If Walker sticks around, these "Walker recruits" will tend to listen to him more than they will Neuheisel. Some might even consider Walker as their true coach.

Walker will have the constant thought: If it weren't for this guy I'm working for, I would be the HC.

DG asked each candidate for a vow of silence during the hiring process, yet we kept hearing leaks from the Walker side -- but from no other candidate.

I wish Walker would say no to RN/UCLA and take a job elsewhere, he's such a hot commodity. Otherwise, I see an unnecessary thorn on RN's side.

by bluegold on Dec 30, 2007 2:32 PM PST reply actions

I'm Afraid I Agree But I Hope I'm Wrong

and to add to your analysis -- I don't even think Walker is that good a DC.

I've done the statistical analysis -- his troops did not come out fired up in every game. And, at the end of the year, our overall numbers were mediocre, at best.

Finally, the numbers show very little improvement from year 1 to year 2 -- and in year 2, as noted here, he had 10 returning starters.

A couple of things make me feel some hope:

First, somewhere, I read a quote from DG that he "hoped" DW would stay, but the ultimate decision was RN's; RN can decide whether they are on the same "wave length".

Second, it is clear that RN will not be vulnerable -- he is solidly entrenched, and a back door campaign will hurt only DW. I do think DW is smart enough to know that doing well for a well connected RN will help him find the job of his dreams. Screwing with RN will get him fired and will hurt him in the small fraternity that is the college coach group.

One last question: I am searching all over for a source for the story that UW has a large, 2 year offer out to DW. Can anyone point me to a reputable source? And, no, I don't mean a Dohn column.

Here's what I've found from the Tacoma Washington News Tribune:

Numerous reports out of Los Angeles indicate that University of Washington football coach Tyrone Willingham has settled on UCLA assistant DeWayne Walker as his top choice for the Huskies' vacant defensive coordinator position.

(If the block quotes work, thank whp68 for sending me a tutorial. If they don't, it's my fault for screwing up the tutorial.)

Anyway, isn't it interesting that the source of the story are reports out of Los Angeles -- another paper says the Daily News, not Washington?

Yes, I worry about this, but I won't let it ruin my joy and excitement.

sjh

by Class of 66 on Dec 30, 2007 2:56 PM PST up reply actions

Actually

... being here in Seattle and fwiw, word is that Ty will have to go elsewhere for his defensive coordinator. Walker is also reportedly being pursued by Texas, but word here is that RN is determined to keep Walker at UCLA. Especially since Ty is on a short leash, and if he were to get canned next year (which he very well might), it would be in Walker's best interest NOT to come to Seattle since Mora Jr. would probably clean house and bring in his boys.

Besides Walker, whose son (out of Arcadia High) will be stepping on as a freshman, has incentive to stay from the family side. And on the contrary, I've got no problem with Walker sticking around. Unlike many on here, I actually admired what he did on the defensive side of the ball. Yes, mistakes were made, but I don't think people here really recognize the importance of having at least a somewhat competent offense to be able to take pressure off the defense. The Toledo era saw the reverse, with the defense unable to support a wickedly good offense.

I agree that we all hoped RN would have taken over for Donahue back then... but hopefully he is now more refined. I think he recognizes the importance of keeping Walker around... and according to the LA Times, he's now looking to get Norm Chow out to run the offense. Now, I don't know how likely it is for that to occur, but what a sick staff that would be.... finally a BALANCED football team on the horizon in Westwood.

by bruinthug98 on Dec 30, 2007 9:41 PM PST up reply actions

Texas?

Good to get the Seattle "inside" from you. I have still to see one report, attributed to TW, that DW is his choice. The only media reports I've seen refer to Dohn, or an OC paper that referred to Dohn. Around here, that's not a credible rumor.

I've seen nothing in my Houston news media to sugget tht Texas is looking at Walker. If they are, I hope they get him.

I've become a Tech fan, after falling in love with Leach, have never liked UT since they whined their way into a BCS bowl ahead of Cal, and can't wait to see what Leach would do against a DW D.

sjh

PS. With all due respect, I'm not going to respond to either the representation that Walker did a good job, or that the D failures were the O's -- over and over, we've shown that neither can be supported by the facts; now that he's out of the HC running, I don't want to do it again. If RN wants him, I'll support the choice.

sjh

by Class of 66 on Dec 31, 2007 5:33 AM PST up reply actions

At the very least

My interest in Texas Tech's football team has been perked. I will have to check them out tomorrow.

I still have some respect for the Longhorns. Anyone who beats Southern Cal for the national championship in their own backyard is ok in my book. Also, I've met some great Texas Exes over the years through my sorority and softball.

by bruinbabe2000 on Dec 31, 2007 6:59 AM PST up reply actions

About those recruits...

Amazing - I already DO feel better driving around with UCLA license plate rims in Hokie country! But what still has me on edge is the oft-hyped Walker/Scott recruiting class. Regardless of any vetting done by DG I think the NCAA certainly keeping a closer-than-normal eye on RN in the near term, and if there are ANY inconsistencies with the incoming bunch it will be the spark for an immediate fire-storm. And think of all the detractors out there who would love to find even the smallest sign of impropriety. If we keep hearing how DW out-recruited Pete & Co. in the heart of L.A. it will be like waving a red cape at the NCAA.

Let's hope this one is addressed real soon.

Happy New Year to all!

by East Coast Bruin on Dec 30, 2007 4:50 PM PST up reply actions

Good job

I am on a mini-trip to California, and I was greeted with the sports page giving the news. Nice job, Dan.

Now I would like to see the SID start doing his job. Remember the commercials with Toledo saying he was going for the NC? We need some stuff like that - some good ad campaign to show the other schools around (the good education ones like CSUN) and the ones with a shady football reputation (I think Chaffey College had an issue or two) it's no longer business as usual in Westwood.

I can see Coach Neuheisel walking up to Cheatie Petie and saying, "Do you feel lucky, punk? Go ahead - make my day."

We made a good hire. I hereby rescind all my posts where I suggested that someone else might be better. Coach Neuheisel is now our head man, and I move that his election to office be unanimous.

(My mini-trip is for a New Year's Eve party, and back to Tampa on Jan 1. It's ironic that I got this news where I'm staying in San Dimas. If you recall, San Dimas was the home of the original Bill and Ted, whose names were slandered by "Bill and Ted," the original Dorrelista. I feel like I should go to the San Dimas City Hall and perform an exorcism.)

Now, if the Illini can just take care of business, it will be a good football weekend.

by Fox 71 on Dec 30, 2007 5:17 PM PST reply actions

Ironic Illinois?

Probably have too much time on my hands to point this out: Neuheisel is hired by UCLA the same year as Illinois returns to the Rose Bowl. Also ironic that we would be rooting for them to dispose of the Soiled Condoms.

Couldn't make that game back on New Year's day but remember watching it with my dad and being so proud when he said, "man, that quarter back of yours is something else."

O.k., o.k., some much-needed rest is in order.

by whp68 on Dec 31, 2007 1:00 AM PST up reply actions

I love San Dimas.

Wooden sidewalks. Great train store. I used to live in Claremont.

by Chandler on Dec 31, 2007 3:46 AM PST up reply actions

Don't tell Mr. BB that

We'll have to hunt it down the next time we are in LA. There was one in Culver City, but it moved, and I'm not sure where.

Another ironic note is that in that Rose Bowl, two of Coach Neuheisel's TDs were to CTS.

by bruinbabe2000 on Dec 31, 2007 6:23 AM PST up reply actions

Allied Trains

They just moved across the street.

by JWongUCLA on Dec 31, 2007 10:53 AM PST up reply actions

We figured they weren't moving too far

I moved in August and haven't really seen Culver City on my three trips home since then.

by bruinbabe2000 on Dec 31, 2007 11:20 AM PST up reply actions

Chandler

Where is the train store?

by bornagainbruin on Dec 31, 2007 8:55 AM PST up reply actions

I was immediately

pumping my fists yesterday in exuberance for this hire. I think most of us had that intuition, that desperation for a competent, confident football coach. I was impressed to see what Rick had to say in the conference: things like giving tokens to his players at the high school, being in the NFL and considering it the grad school of football. I sincerely believe we are getting a better Rick Neuheisel than who was at Colorado and Washington. And that's great because he had two 10-2 seasons, an 11-1 season and a Rose Bowl championship at those two schools.

I also feel that Rick is a better hire than Chow, Walker, Herm Edwards, Mariucci, etc., those who had been named on BN in the last couple months. Rick has been around Billick so his defensive football coaching perspective has to have been greatly enhanced.

Just like most everyone here, I had been completely fed up with Dorrell. Hearing stories on the radio like Dorrell never going after Clausen and the good players at that school or even making a visit made me angry. Rick knows how to recruit and will use his resources and expertise to garner whatever team he needs to win at UCLA, I have no doubt. I think his decision to keep Walker for now is a great move because he can start next year with a good group of new players; players who trust Walker. I also don't think he'll let Walker fail or bring the program down in any way. It won't happen. He'll say you are either with me and UCLA or you're out that f-in door.

I can't wait to hear what his vision and philosophy will be to get this team winning consistently and the offense scoring consistently. Happy New Year Bruins!

"Call it, Friend-O"

by bruin95 on Dec 30, 2007 5:30 PM PST reply actions

Nice post about 60s

whp68 - I love hearing about what it was like at UCLA during that time. Thanks for the post. I can only imagine how exciting it must have been following both basketball and football programs. Excitement was lacking somewhat during my time at UCLA (89-92). I hope that kind of excitement and enthusiasm resurfaces again. Ben has achieved one half of this, will see if Rick can do his part.

Concerning the Walker situation, going to Washington could be a risky move. Changes are coming to Seattle, TW won't get it done. Mora could bring in a new staff if he is hired. Walker needs to show he can keep improving the D, no easy task with so many starters leaving. I do have some concern about the "two coach" scenario, I'm very curious to see what Walker says if he stays. The D is his area, but RN should be clear there is one HC and division won't be tolerated. This leads me to next big question: will RN bring more discipline than he did in his last HC stints?

by Bruins095 on Dec 30, 2007 5:31 PM PST reply actions

more discipline

I don't think RN is going to let any of his players or assistants f'up his gig. Not after all he had to go through to get here.

by hdATucla on Dec 30, 2007 8:46 PM PST up reply actions

Bruin Blue

Thanks to Bruin Blue for consistently articulating the feelings of most of us these past few months and throughout the Dorrell years. It reminded me that I was not alone in my frustration. I had written DG after the ND game requesting that he consider RN for the HC job and needless to say I am very pleased that it turned out the way I had hoped. I too join all of us in our optimism for the future. I look forward to seeing RN banter in the press with Pom Pom the same way Prothro did with John McKay back in the mid-60's. Finally we have a guy who can "man up" with the teflon man across town. Happy New Year to Bruin Blue and everyone else.

Kirk

by SinnerBoy 99 on Dec 30, 2007 10:57 PM PST reply actions

This Geezer's Heart Was Touched

when RN said that he wanted to bring back the time when the sc game meant something -- when we were really playing for somethng, not just to mess up their season.

Those were the great days of Bruin football -- when our game with sc was a rivalry on the national agenda. When we started to slip, the press created other "big games" for sc, including ND, for a while.

It's time for the battle for Los Angeles to mean something, again, and I'm so pleased RN mentioned it, directly.

sjh

by Class of 66 on Dec 31, 2007 5:35 AM PST up reply actions