Interesting New Names In CRN's Search For DC
by Nestor on Jan 19, 2009 8:33 AM PST
38 comments
Bumped. GO BRUINS. -N
It's been pretty quiet few days on the football front as we haven't heard a lot of names popping up for our new DC. Yet that doesn't mean nothing has been going on. Dohn reports today that CRN has been busy talking to few candidates which includes a former Bruin legend and Brian Stewart, the recent DC for Dallas Cowboys:
Five-time NFL Pro Bowl selection and former UCLA All-American Carnell Lake interviewed with coach Rick Neuheisel for a place on the Bruins staff and was deciding whether to accept an offer, according to sources.
Neuheisel also spoke with former Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Brian Stewart and Montana coach Bobby Hauck about UCLA's vacant defensive coordinator spot.
Bruins linebacker coach Chuck Bullough remains the leading candidate for the defensive coordinator position, sources said, and has spoke to Neuheisel several times about it.
Lake played linebacker for the Bruins under Bob Field, an associate athletic director at UCLA. Lake was at UCLA when Neuheisel was a graduate assistant in 1986, and a full-time assistant in 1988. It is unclear whether Lake would coach the secondary or the linebackers.
Lake has been in private business since retiring from the NFL after the 2001 season. A defensive back, he spent 12 years in the NFL, mostly with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Stewart was fired by the Cowboys on Friday. He also coached in the NFL with the San Diego Chargers and Houston Texans, and coached in college at Missouri, San Jose State and Syracuse. He was a defensive back at Northern Arizona and Santa Monica City College.
Hauck completed his sixth season at Montana, where he took the Grizzlies to the Football Championship Subdivision title game before losing to Richmond. He coached with Neuheisel at Colorado and Washington.
If you want to find more about Stewart check out UCLABRU1's timely fanpost from yesterday. The idea of Lake joining the staff is very interesting. I am assuming CRN is talking to him about an assistant position not necessarily for DC since he doesn't have enough coaching experience.
The article also notes that Tim Hauck, who is our current secondary coach could head to St. Louis to join the staff of the new Ram's coach as well. Speaking of NFL, if I were a Bruin football fan, I'd be rooting for the Ravens season to end today so that CRN can start talking to some of their coaches in the defensive staff.
BTW for all those BNers who dread the idea of Greg Robinson coming back to Westwood as our DC, apparently he is talking to Michigan about RR's DC in Ann Arbor.
So keep an eye on the newswire. Sounds like CRN is quietly conducting a deliberate search considering all options. I like it.
GO BRUINS.
UPDATE (N): Now that the Ravens are out, it will be interesting to see if more names emerge in the coming days. Again keep an eye on the newswire and press reports coming out of the Mid Atlantic. GO BRUINS.
This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of BruinsNation's (BN) editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of BN's editors.
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Hiring Lake ...
would be like hiring Norton a few years ago in that neither had any coaching experience at the time they were hired.
Lake might be my favorite UCLA player that I ever saw in person.
He was a running back at (I think) Culver City High School, played linebacker at UCLA, then played both corner and safety in the pros. He’s supposed to be a really smart guy, too.
Lake vs Norton on the recruiting trail would be something.
Go Bruins
by Achilles on Jan 19, 2009 8:51 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Yeah ...
I imagine CRN might be looking at him as a “Defensive Back’s coach” since T. Hauck might be heading over to the Rams. Having Carnell on the staff would be epic.
by Nestor on Jan 19, 2009 9:07 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I heard he is a successful businessman now
does anyone know what type of business he does?
"when you've seen how big the world is, how can you make due with this?"
by silverlakebruin on Jan 19, 2009 9:10 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Lake would be a plus!
yes, we was a Centaur (Culver City High School) but I think we might have played QB.
He was part of the greatest first half of college football I have ever seen, 86 or 87, against Nebraska in the Rose Bow, a perfect Sept? afternoon and evening , Nebraska was suppose to kill us, Lake and the rest of the defense shut them down. It was awesome, I remember standing in the student section yelling and watching near perfection. Nebraska made some halftime adjustments to make it a closer game.
Go Bruins
TRM
by G0Bruins on Jan 19, 2009 2:55 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
the Pittsburgh Steelers are my #2 team!
(Behind the San Franciso 49ers) I was a wee tike when Terry Bradshaw, Mean Joe Green, and Jack Lambert were tearing up the Super Bowl every other year. I remember my first football bet was on the Superbowl pitting the Steelers against the LA Rams led by some nobody named John Robinson.
To make a long story short. I loved Carnell Lake the football player. I forgot he was a Bruin! I agree with Achilles, that Lake vs Petey’s lap dog would make great recruiting trail fodder.
BUT, I still have my heart set on John Thompson. A guy that’s coached that long in the SEC would be a home run hire and an invaluable asset against an SEC team in a National Championship game.
A coach is someone who can give correction without causing resentment. John Wooden
by MexiBruin on Jan 19, 2009 9:33 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
It wasn't Robo...
The Rams coach in Super Bowl XIV was Ray Malavasi. I was fortunate enough to attend that game (first sporting event I ever saw in the Rose Bowl).
As far as Lake goes, I think he would be a good addition to the staff. He played so many different positions and was asked to do so many different things by his coaches (including Dick LeBeau, one of the best DC’s in NFL history) that there is very little he wouldn’t be able to teach about playing in the secondary. And he was such a smart player – I would love to see him on staff.
by McNown to Farmer on Jan 19, 2009 10:26 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Malavasi
My old man, a die hard Ram fan until they moved to St. Louis, loves telling the story about how Malavasi fell asleep on the radio during an interview.
by bruinbabe2000 on Jan 19, 2009 1:18 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
One of the late Jim Healy's favorite clips
The late great Jim Healy (Bruin alum) used to play the Malavasi clip all the time on his afternoon KMPC show. I’ve never heard anything quite like it, and it fit Healy’s never-to-be-duplicated show perfectly. His frequent references to the USC “brain surgeons” were savagely brilliant.
Even though the Malavasi clip is no longer archived, here are some other gems from Healy’s show. The tribute show that KMPC produced shorter after his death has some other great moments.
by Woochifer on Jan 19, 2009 1:46 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I don't remember that
I’ve told the story several times here, but when I was in high school, I played basketball, and my old man would pick me up from practice and we would listen to Healy and laugh the whole way home.
by bruinbabe2000 on Jan 19, 2009 1:58 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
There is probably room for a whole post on this.
What’s your favorite Healy clip? I suppose it depends on the lead-in, but “Say What?” is always a good one. But probably the most usable is “Who goofed? I’ve got to know.” (which I think is Al Michaels imitating Cossell.)
by Fox 71 on Jan 19, 2009 8:51 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Who goofed is a good one
I would have to break it down into two catagories, the ones I remember on the radio, and the ones I didn’t know about until I found the website. In the first catagory, I’ll say, “Get to the point, will you Jim?” Nothing like self-depricating humor. In the second catagory, I have to say “fight on” deflating.
by bruinbabe2000 on Jan 20, 2009 7:36 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Carnell Lake...
.. the human blur. The Bruins had a lot of speed on defense back in the late 80’s, and Lake was one of the best. Everybody knew he would be a ’backer in the NFL, but he would still be there.
Bob O. (Signholder #3)
by TuneMan7 on Jan 19, 2009 10:34 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Yep, lots of speed on those defenses and undersized guys
I recall Carnell Lake played linebacker at 210 lbs. (He also ran a 4.3 40 — Gaston Green was the only guy on the team who ran faster) THEN you got Terry Tumey who weighed less than 240 lbs. playing the nose guard position, and he was still a three-time All-Pac 10 pick. Surprised that Tumey never got a sniff in the NFL, but he got his MBA from the Anderson School and seems to be doing fine as a 49ers exec.
Lots of other undersized guys on those 3-4 defenses with lots of speed. They were effective much of time, but would get worn down when going up against big run-oriented option teams like Oklahoma and Nebraska.
by Woochifer on Jan 19, 2009 2:00 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I think the fact CRN hasn't hired anyone yet
Means he has his eye on someone on the Ravens’ staff.
by bruinbabe2000 on Jan 19, 2009 1:16 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
hmmm . . .
rubbing chin
A coach is someone who can give correction without causing resentment. John Wooden
by MexiBruin on Jan 19, 2009 1:21 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Or also waiting until at least Wednesday to make an announcement
He’s not going to get any press today or tomorrow. CRN passed PR 101.
by bruinbabe2000 on Jan 19, 2009 1:37 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Carnell Lake: great player, great guy
I would love to see Lake as a member of the coaching staff. He’s a true Bruin, a great player, a great guy, and one of the smartest students to ever don the PKB and gold (Academic All-American and finalist for the NCAA Top VI award). Carnell was in a couple of my classes, and he was a smart student and a very cool guy. If anyone can step into the coaching role and make an immediate impact, Lake would be it.
Kenny’s got nothing on Carnell Lake. Lake was an unselfish team player, who did whatever it took for the good of the team. Norton had his drama queen streak, even when he was a Bruin, and it just got worse when he was in the pros. Lake was not only a member of the NFL 1990s All-Decade Team as a DB, but played out of position most of his NFL career (he’s more of a natural NFL safety, but played corner most of the time). He sacrificed his personal stats for the good of the team, yet still made All-Pro as a cornerback. If he had played the safety spot throughout his NFL career, he would be a HOF candidate.
I always use Carnell Lake as an example whenever anyone questions the logic of moving a top notch running back recruit to defense. Lake was recruited as a running back, but got moved to defense either his freshman or sophomore year. Either way, he was the only member of the ’85 recruiting class that did not redshirt, and early on he was primarily used as a kick returner.
As a linebacker, he was undersized, but he was also faster than all but a handful of running backs, and led the nation in sacks in his first year as a starter. He was the most disruptive and dependable Bruin defender I ever saw. Draft day pundits were questioning whether he could succeed in the NFL because of his size.
Imagine the counterweight to Norton’s recruiting pitch if CRN winds up putting both Carnell Lake AND former Trojie AA and All-Pro Mark Carrier on his staff.
by Woochifer on Jan 19, 2009 1:18 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
More on Lake
He did play at Culver City HS. I played next to him at LB in 84’ and he and I were very good friends. We lost contact after he finished his pro career, when he stayed on the east coast.
While a Senior in 84 in HS he led the nation in rushing with something like 1200+ yards after 6 games. Then in a game vs. one of the Torrance schools he dislocated his elbow on a halfback option pass play and didn’t play the rest of the season. UCLA/Donahue still recruited him anyway.
He started as a freshman and was the only player in the 85 class not to redshirt and got considerable playing time. I believe he held the UCLA record for sacks in a season for several years until one of the Ball brother broke it. He was lightning from the edge and was used as a blitzing/coverage OLB. Almost unblockable. He was incredibly strong as well. He held many CCHS records for the squat, clean and bench press. He worked out a lot but had the rare gift of being blessed with both incredible natural strength and speed.
As another poster mentioned, he was the fastest player on the team along with Gaston Green, running a 4.3 40 yard dash.
Lake would be a great hire. He and Norton could not be any different in terms of their on the field styles. Norton is far more emotional. A real RAHRAH guy. Lake was very calm and steady and just made plays. While not quite Dorrell-stoic, he is very thoughtful to his approach to the game.
I think this is all part of CRN’s master plan to bring back more of the Bruin greats from old. Taking care of our own. More of a football family-type atmosphere. A Bruin for life!!
I have a call into Carnell now and if we connect in the next few days, I’ll try and update the nation!
Go Bruins!
by Bald Eagle on Jan 19, 2009 3:52 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Great Story
Please keep us updated.
by bruinbabe2000 on Jan 19, 2009 5:10 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Good stuff
Thanks for telling that story. Will look forward to an update.
p.s. I gather you mean “He and Norton could not be any MORE different in terms of their on the field styles.”
by Bruinut on Jan 20, 2009 12:57 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
NY Jets
The Jets has just hired Rex Ryan, Ravens DC as their head coach
by drebruin on Jan 19, 2009 9:20 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
I was intrigued
by hearing Mark Carrier’s name a week or so ago. Not hearing about it since, and nothing be done on the DC front, and now that the Ravens are out,…IMHO I think this is what CRN has been waiting for. We’ve heard it over and over again that the NFL experience for a coach plays a huge part on the recruiting trail, and once again replacing DW (ex-NFL coach), with another one is what is required here to keep our coaching staff head and shoulders above the rest, and it fits CRN blueprint of what he did only a year ago, in assembling his team. Additionally, IMO is just further gravy that Carrier also went to an inner city local school in LA and would only further open up those roads. But coupling him with Lake, and allowing Lake to get coaching experience under Carrier sounds like a winning team to me on the field and in the home!
by tru-bleu on Jan 20, 2009 11:33 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Props for Dorrell?
I don’t know about this…but could it be that KD knew a side of Kenny’s personality that wasn’t very Bruin-like? Perhaps that was the reason he didn’t bring him on…
But hey, what do I know. I’m just the 800 lbs bruin in the room.
by tasser10 on Jan 20, 2009 11:39 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
I doubt it...
…and someone can correct me if I am wrong but I thought Dorrell said the reason he did not give a job to Norton Jr was that he was unsure how serious he, Norton, was in being a coach? For all we know the snub by Dorrell is what has triggered Norton to turn his back on UCLA. Props for Dorrell, never. He ran the program into the ground and it will take a few years to reverse that…but this has all ben discussed at length in the past…
All hail the Mighty Bruins!
by seernst on Jan 20, 2009 12:13 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
You are correct, sir!
…and someone can correct me if I am wrong but I thought Dorrell said the reason he did not give a job to Norton Jr was that he was unsure how serious he, Norton, was in being a coach?
I wouldn’t believe KD’s reason, though. I mean when could you believe KD?
by Seanny Rotten on Jan 20, 2009 1:28 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I'd like to give KD props
then I immediately realize that how he left a program in the gutter saddling with a team that reflected its 4-8 record (after giving its best effort). I’d like to give KD props then I realize how much of a beating the UCLA brand has taken due to mediocrity of his leadership and his immediate predecessors at UCLA.
by Nestor on Jan 20, 2009 2:52 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Hence the question mark...
I was just throwing a thought out there. It’s just that I have never really heard anyone talk about Kenny as anything but a great player. I have never heard his teammates say that he was a great team player, had a high character, etc. Just thought maybe KD knew something we didn’t…weren’t they on the same team for a while? Anyway, the only props that would be given to KD here would have been as a good judge of character, not for anything else.
But hey, what do I know. I’m just the 800 lbs bruin in the room.
by tasser10 on Jan 21, 2009 10:34 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Interesting thought T
On an entirely different subject,
For 2010, maybe CRN could reach out to all the best of UCLA pro’s, and get them to be the nationwide closers for the top 5-7 recruits of class of 2010 at each position. For example, Ogden (?) could visit the linemen, Lake the LB’s etc. I have no doubt that between Tasser and Nestor you could come up with the best of the best who could represent UCLA out in the home of these kids for the various positions, and give a little back to their schools, they could ALSO share the long term benefits/perspective of going here, versus just the here and now.
I’m just kicking it around, but to me, if I was an OL for example, and Ogden and Chow walk into my house? Where do I sign…end of story! They might get such a kick out of it, they might just keep on doing it!
by tru-bleu on Jan 20, 2009 12:10 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
WONDERFUL idea but
those are NCAA violations.
It used to be that UCLA would have Kareem, Walton, etc. calling up potential recruits but that’s a no-go now. Only UCLA employees can contact potential recruits. What, you forgot the Wooden investigation from last year?
by Seanny Rotten on Jan 20, 2009 1:29 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Sheepishly yes...my bad
Seriously Rotten, thanks for throwing water on my face and waking me from my stupor. I had forgotten all about that. Glad you and CRN are up to speed on those “rules”!
by tru-bleu on Jan 20, 2009 1:46 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I wouldn't be surprised
to see Peatey trying to make trouble by, oh, I don’t know, hiring Lake.
Somehow, though, I’m more confident that CRN will do the right thing here, even if he doesn’t hire Carnell. And, I think Lake is too smart to fall for any snake oilism.
by Bruinut on Jan 20, 2009 1:03 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Lake has no ties to Petey, while Kenny did
Remember that Petey was Kenny’s defensive coordinator when he played for the Niners, and he played MLB which is the position that calls the defensive plays on the field. That’s why it did not surprise me when Kenny joined Petey’s staff, since personal ties are a lot more complex than what school someone attended. That’s why Trojie Ronnie Lott was fine with his son Ryan Nece going to UCLA, since HC Bob Toledo was Lott’s position coach in college.
Carnell has no such prior relationship with Petey, while he did play for UCLA when CRN worked as a Bruin position coach.
Also consider that Mark Carrier has no personal ties with Petey, but DID serve on the same Ravens coaching staff with CRN. Carrier wore the ketchup and mustard as a player, but he has already coached against the Trojies as an assistant at ASU.
by Woochifer on Jan 20, 2009 5:52 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Nobody has offered Tuberville a DC or HC Job still!!!!!
People say it is a pipedream to get Tuberville for the defensive coordinator job, but why hasn’t he been offered one single job since he resigned from Auburn over a month ago?
I have a hunch that he will be again a defensive coordinator somewhere before he is ever again a head coach. (He is burned out as a head coach.) I hope UCLA offers him.
by edflick on Jan 20, 2009 4:47 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Tell you what
You seem to have a crush on Tuberville, since the ONLY comments you have made on Bruins Nation have to do with him. You have not suggested a single reason why he would fit in with Neuheisel’s staff or on the west coast.
If you are so adamant about him being hired, why don’t you write a letter to Neuheisel and post it here. We don’t do the hiring.
But hey, what do I know. I’m just the 800 lbs bruin in the room.
by tasser10 on Jan 21, 2009 10:37 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Man crushes can come true!
I nominate defensive specialist Buddy Ryan for our new DC. He’s retired, but has anyone asked him to un-retire himself? There is so much he would like about L.A. And he looks like he enjoys a good meal and L.A. has lots of good restaurants.
Come on, Bruins Nation, give Buddy a chance! Hire him now!
by Barnes2JJ on Jan 21, 2009 10:53 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Nice angle Ed
His DC abilities aside, a tantalizing “extra” benefit with someone like him might be all his recruiting connections throughout the talent laden South.
by tru-bleu on Jan 21, 2009 8:10 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
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