... respectfully.

From the Daily News:

Former UCLA All-American safety James Washington is interested in filling the latest vacancy on Bruins coach Rick Neuheisel's staff.

 

An opening surfaced Thursday when safeties coach Tim Hauck left to become an assistant secondary coach with the NFL's Tennessee Titans.

"I would love to be a part of Rick Neuheisel's staff," Washington said.

Washington, who won two Super Bowl titles with the Dallas Cowboys, would give the Bruins a strong inner-city recruiting presence. He played at Jordan High in Los Angeles and remains an integral part of the community.

Washington operates a Shelton 37, a non-profit program to teach kids life skill programs. He also helps with youth football camps and has relationships with many of Los Angeles' inner-city prep coaches.

Through his connections with the Cowboys, Washington also has a strong relationship with many Texas high schools, which could also benefit in recruiting.

Washington, 44, played eight seasons in the NFL, five as a starter, and made 17 interceptions. He's worked in television the past four years, during which he was a frequent visitor to UCLA's practices, serving as a mentor to many of UCLA's defensive backs, often talking to them about technique and preparation.

 

Despite all the connections James Washington brings to the table, I don't think right now he is the right fit for UCLA's coaching staff.

Right now Neuheisel needs to fill the defensive staff with some experience. He has already hired a DC who previously didn't have experience as a DC. He also brought in Carnell Lake, who we are all excited about to the staff.

I think there could be potentially room for Washington in the staff couple of years down the line, once the current staff is little more established and not to mention the program is on even more solid group. But for now I don't hiring someone like Washington makes sense. I hope Washington understands that and if and when he gets turned down, doesn't behave like Petey's Poodle. I don't think he will because from listening to him it sounds like he is committed to being part of Bruin Family ... for life.

GO BRUINS.