[Update] Carnell Lake Steps Down as Cornerbacks Coach

I hope CRN gives James Washington a good look. He bleeds Blue and Gold and his commentary on the team and the way it plays has always been perceptive.

how come every time we need an assistant coach, thoughts immediately turn to “what former Bruin is available?” It won’t be long until Ed O’Bannon is mentioned as a replacement for the assistant coaches on the basketball team.

It works out sometimes, but it’s just such a provincial way of looking at things. Instead of bringing in James Washington, why don’t we bring in whoever is coaching DBs at whatever mid-major school has the best defensive backs?

If Washington gets the gig, I’ll root for him and trust that RN knows what he’s doing. But in the abstract I’d rather see us hire a great DB coach with some experience, rather than just promote the first Bruin that comes to mind. If it happens to be the same guy, that’s fine, but if it isn’t, I’d rather hire the great, experienced assistant. Hiring someone basically for their Bruin ties to me says we can’t hire the best person, we need to always hire someone with prior ties to the school.

Beyond his abilities as a coach and his home grown love for all things Bruin, he was a beast on Sundays, and carved himself a great reputation among all fans of the sport.

I believe Carnell participated in the NFL Minority Coaches program this summer which is a very prestigious appointment. (Lubbie Smith, herm Edwards and Marvin Lewis are all graduates) so he is an up and coming coaching prospect.

I played HS football with Carnell and speak with him on occasion still, and he was very vague about his future. He wanted to make sure coaching was something he was passionate about before jumping in completely.

During a recent round of golf I was very fortunate to play with CRN (won it in the True Blue Auction) we spoke about Carnell. He thought Carnell had a bright future as a coach and given his selection to participate in the NFL Minority Coaches Program, CRN wasn’t hopeful that Carnell would be around next season.

He will be missed, but hopefully this experience will help him succeed in whatever he chooses to pursue in the future.

Would have loved him to stay. Don’t know who the other candidates are but I think JDub would be a great addition. He has been itching to coach and we can all see the passion he has for all things Blue & Gold. I think JDub would turn out to be a monster on the recruiting trail selling something he has lived and with his Super Bowl rings he should get the benefit of the doubt when stepping into recruits homes. I think his hire would be gain approval within the city and he could replace E Scott who played an integral part in UCLA having success in the City Section. He may not have experience but I don’t doubt that he’ll be carrying his own weight sooner rather than later.

Lets not forget, Carnell had NO coaching experience when he was hired.

I think this is the type of position where you can sacrifice experience in favor of some Bruin ties and a potential to recruit well, maybe nationally vs. locally. You have a Seconday coach and a Def Head Coach already who can make up for any coaching deficiencies the candidate may have.

That being said, I get the provincial argument made by Achilles. A talented teacher of the DB position is important. I also don’t think JW will give up is announcing gig for this position. It will be interesting to see the other names we’re considering, if they become available.

Anyone think we don’t hire anyone so there is more $ to pay a certain OC next year?