UCLA Press Conference on Neuheisel Firing Open Thread
by gbruin on Nov 28, 2011 2:15 PM PST
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UCLA will hold a press conference today at 2:30 pm PST to discuss the firing of Rick Neuheisel. There will be a live video stream that is available here. This will be our open thread to follow along and comment on the proceedings.
Let me start here by saying that, personally, we wish Rick nothing but the best. I truly believe he always did what he felt was best for U.C.L.A. He took over at what was our lowest point in decades. He renewed our enthusiasm and patriotism for Bruin football. He brought in great recruiting classes and replenished the talent on the roster. He ran a clean program. Unfortunately, the coaching side of things never worked, and this move to relieve him of his position was well past due. But when it is said and done, I will remember Rick as a Rose Bowl champion and a truly loyal Bruin. Thank you for giving your best, Rick.
Regime Change is only halfway done, however. If may be questionable whether this decision was Chiant's Dan's call, or whether this move was made by someone else. If so, then Dan is in a truly vulnerable position with someone else making decisions. If this was Dan's call, then he needs to be fired immediately simply for not even having the decency to tell the players that Rick was removed and let them find out via the media.
Half way there, Bruins. Don't let up. Our school deserves better.
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New coach
I was thinking Mike Leach or like AM570 Phil Hartman is saying Herm Edwards?
Yeah, enough with Herm Edwards!!!
Just read Rick’s tweet in the previous post, and I feel like someone just punched me in the stomach. Say what you want about the guy, but he just didn’t get the job done, and his removal was overdue, but the guy stays classy, and it just hurts to see him go, while Dan remains.
A total class act.
"Success is never final, Failure is never fatal. It's Courage that counts" - John Wooden.
+1
People who still call him “Slick Rick” are really missing the boat based on the way he handled himself during his time @ UCLA.
+1000
Proud of Rick as a person. Class act through and through.
"The true athlete should have character, not be a character."- John Wooden
"Always turn a negative situation into a positive situation."- Michael Jordan
twitter:@GGolden87
from the previous thread
BlueReign, you mentioned something about Mullen being “very interested” in UCLA. Is there a link for that? Because I would absolutely love Mullen here, but haven’t heard anything about interest on either side
Sorry no link
but it has been mentioned “elsewhere”. *blink**blink* Don’t want to steal other peoples work or thunder.
i may be missing something obvious
but I’m confused…haha
by bucknellbruin on Nov 28, 2011 2:28 PM PST up reply actions
Don't think BN would mind
but if you’re a UCLA junkie like me, BRO is a must. They do a great job over there.
We are not going to be douchenozzles like Chris Foster
… and publish parts of Tracy Pierson’s stories and call it “according to influential people with knowledge of the situation who are not authorized to speak publicly on the matter.”
that's fair
i didn’t have time to read his article you linked to last night, so that explains why I missed it
by bucknellbruin on Nov 28, 2011 2:36 PM PST up reply actions
Somewhere douchenozzles are offended. lol
"Success is never final, Failure is never fatal. It's Courage that counts" - John Wooden.
LAT said Donut is on his way to Boise to hire CP and save his own ass.
$3 million + lots of extras.
Link please...
yes, i could just go look for myself, but if you gonna call it, then you might as well link it…
Not gonna get my hopes up on petersen
If I recall, when Dorrell was canned he was again our first choice and a heavily rumored candidate, but if memory serves he shot us down in a very unflattering manner, something like "i would never consider leaving here for ‘that place’ as if UCLA was Afghanistan or something. Can anyone corroborate?
We need a big name head coach
and big time coordinators!
"Success is never final, Failure is never fatal. It's Courage that counts" - John Wooden.
UCLA should be on a very short list of coaching DREAM JOBS
Why do we need to keep making lame excuses for not attracting the best coaching talent to Westwood?
Coaches should be fighting each other for a job here, instead, we get Morgan-tards screwing up the process.
Wash rinse repeat. ITS TIME TO CHANGE!
this is not an elite job right now, unfortunately
We don’t draw fans to the Rose Bowl, the coach doesn’t have much support from the Morgan Center and our facilities are hopelessly outdated. Now, if the MC put some money into the facilities, like the LAT post insinuates, then its a whole different story because two of those 3 problems will begin to be solved. The fans will come if the wins do.
by bucknellbruin on Nov 28, 2011 2:27 PM PST up reply actions
It is an ELITE JOB
The problem is the people in charge of the program would like to make you believe it isn’t because it makes their job easier if you accept mediocre performance. UCLA is a historic institution with amazing accomplishments in the classroom and on the playing fields(courts). The advantages UCLA has over many universities in the country are countless.
UCLA is a desination, don’t let anybody tell you otherwise!
if i'm a coach looking for a job
or especially, one with a job, I want 4 things:
Fertile recruiting ground
Support from the administration/freedom to do my own thing
Supportive/raucous fan base
Great facilities
UCLA has one of those things. It is a tremendous university. Don’t get me wrong. It is also a very good coaching job. BUT it’s not worth leaving an already cushy job for a lot of people – especially those not from the west coast
by bucknellbruin on Nov 28, 2011 2:34 PM PST up reply actions
"Supportive/raucous fan base"
Uh dude — we are going through the worst decade of our football history. Yet at the tail end, we are averaging 50,000+ at our home stadium.
I think you may want to take a look at the traffic of this blog and compared to others in the West or nationally and then comment whether we have a raucous fan base or not. If a good coach comes here and put together a great product, he will become a hero.
As for 2 and 4, we (alums, boosters) are working on it and working to change the mindset.
Don’t be such a f**king defeatist.
c'mon man
the fans are incredibly loyal. But blog traffic doesn’t equal attendance. We were also drawing 50,000-60,000 in 2001 when we were ranked #1. And I know that people are all working on changing the culture. It’s amazing what this community in particular has done.
I’m not being a defeatist. This is a very, very good job. But I don’t think it’s worth leaving Michigan State or an SEC school if you’re not from around here and don’t get the vibe and special history that UCLA has
by bucknellbruin on Nov 28, 2011 2:40 PM PST up reply actions
Mandel did an article a few years ago
He classified programs as Kings, Queens, Knights, etc. Even during our decade plus long ineptitude, we were a Queen.
Look at our entire history and not just the past decade. You can argue that either UCLA or UDub is #2 behind suc in most storied and decorated program in the Pac 10/Pac 12.
Using Michigan State….there is a big difference between the two programs. Michigan State was not a good program at all until recently. Couldn’t find a better site with records but they’ve been an average program historically speaking.
I was at Neuheisel's
first game against Tenn.
That crowd was packed, f’n raucous and ready to get behind UCLA. The problem is the product on the field.
UCLA vs Cal, 2001
ranked in the top 5, undefeated team at 6-0. Attendance: 65,000. That’s 25,000 unsold seats
http://www.bruinzone.com/sch/fb01/06.shtml
I’m just putting out the facts. UCLA should be an elite job. It could become one again, very soon. But it’s not right now
by bucknellbruin on Nov 28, 2011 2:42 PM PST up reply actions
Disagree
Fertile recruting ground = Check
Support from the administration/freedom to do my own thing = TBD but I don’t want us to be purely a FB factory either so just loosen things up a bit
Supportive/raucous fan base = The Rose Bowl used to be packed when we were good. You’ll see it once again when we win. There are thousands of Bruin fans chomping at the bit right now.
Great facilities = TBD
That is why we need wholesale regime change. The people in the ad just don’t get it.
Exactly why I said "should be" and not "is"
UCLA should have all of these things.
Only because of the Morgan-tards, we don’t.
We have a prime location, a large stadium, and a cross-town rivalry that generates intense interest.
We need the Morgan-tards to FIX THE SYSTEM.
1) Pay the Coach
2) Improve the Facilities
3) Allow the coach flexibility with his staff and system
I'm experiencing the same nervous/excited feeling
that I have before every game vs. SUC. AHHHHHH! We need a BIG HIRE!!!
Jo Pa for coach?
He has everything we’re asking for:
- a proven track record of winning
- knows how to attract top notch recruits
- understands the importance of pride and tradition in a national powerhouse
- knows what it takes to handle a major program
- and he’s experienced in handling the pressure of being in the spotlight
And because he’s fallen on some hard times, we’ll be able to get him for cheap.
i personally would like to see bobby bowden....
he did help those kids from marshall during their dark times! he’s got a heart!
As a 49er fan thoroughly enjoying their turnaround this year...
……my criteria for a coach has evolved somewhat as a result of what I’ve seen with that team. I know there are some here who really don’t like Harbaugh, but the guy can flat out coach. it’s been articulated here by many what we want/need/demand – prior HC experience, recruiting skill, play calling ability (I place a higher priority on this than some), all of which I agree with – but I would add an element that I’ve come to see as crucial:
We need a TEACHER. It’s not enough to simply tell these athletes, especially at the college level, to ‘line up here’ – you have to teach them the why and the how… they’re young men, many of them relying on raw talent to get to D1 ball. Raw talent will only get a player so far, but a coaching staff who can teach can make three star players into four star players, and four star players into five star players… If there’s one thing I’ve heard about Harbaugh and his staff over and over and over again from Vernon Davis, Justin Smith, Pat Willis, Frank Gore, et al, it’s that they TEACH their players not just the what, but the why and the how, too. This, along with better scheming, has been the biggest difference maker, according to the players themselves.
So I would add “teacher” to the list of criteria. John Wooden was, among many other great things, a teacher. I want the next great ULCA coach to be the same.
Why would set a press conference the same time as Ohio St. press conference?
by Trojanswearskirts on Nov 28, 2011 2:34 PM PST reply actions
Remember who runs our athletic department
And the quality decisions made by those people in recent years.
Disagree
Bad news press conferences you want to bury. This is buried.
PR Rule
by Bruin Dad and Grad on Nov 28, 2011 2:39 PM PST up reply actions
having put out a few press releases myself in my day...
…. this is a good observation. they would prefer less, rather than more, attention today.
Just asking
Why would Cable be an unattractive candidate? Seems to me that he would not be a Tier 1 candidate which would be preferred but I believe he is better than a “retread”????
by Bruin Dad and Grad on Nov 28, 2011 2:37 PM PST reply actions
OMG
Seriously? This man was made by Drew Olson and MJD just like Nick Alliotti made Edgerrin James. Complete hack.
Oh UCLA you sweet bitch, you've BRUINed me for anything else.
Well, he hasn't announced his own resignation yet.
Still hoping…
greg in denver, U.C.L.A. guy for life - BruinsNation.com
DG just admitted he'll have more resources (money) for new coach
If he fails to get a quality coach, he definitely can’t use that as an excuse now.
“hiring a coach is an art not a science”
Is that Dan’s strategy?? Hello, last three hires were FIRED by you
toddlers are artists, too
Dan is working with crayons
greg in denver, U.C.L.A. guy for life - BruinsNation.com
Could he lick his lips some more?
nervous. very nervous.
why do they even let Simers in the room…?
the more he speaks, the more I want to punch him in the face.
Winning is not a sometime thing; it's an all the time thing. You don't win once in a while; you don't do things right once in a while; you do them right all the time. Winning is a habit. Unfortunately, so is losing. ~ Vince Lombardi
As often as Simers is wrong
I want him in this room — someone needs to ask Dan tough questions here. For all his faults, he’s willing to.
yeah, that's true
but my problem with Simers is pragmatic. I couldn’t care less about the mean spirited crap he writes, but at a time when we’re trying to convince a top tier coach to come to UCLA, I would prefer they not read one of his “whoever comes here is going to fail” hate bombs…
"We will cast the net broadly."
much ado about nothing from Guerrero now
"The true athlete should have character, not be a character."- John Wooden
"Always turn a negative situation into a positive situation."- Michael Jordan
twitter:@GGolden87
same here
"The true athlete should have character, not be a character."- John Wooden
"Always turn a negative situation into a positive situation."- Michael Jordan
twitter:@GGolden87
"Moving the needle"
well, we know who specifically told Rick his criteria for possibly staying.
"The true athlete should have character, not be a character."- John Wooden
"Always turn a negative situation into a positive situation."- Michael Jordan
twitter:@GGolden87
Dan saying all the right things
We’ll see if he follows through.
1.) Some obstacles at UCLA. Stadium too far for most students, some Educational barriers, but none of these should keep up from building a successful program. Successful meaning, winning Pac-12 Championships and being in the discussion for NC’s.
2.) We have the resources to afford a Top Tier Coach, from new contract and Donors. Money will not be an issue. We will have the resources to compete.
3.) FB drives the program.
4.) FB is the Number 1 Sport, not BB.
Like I said. We shall see.
He was just talking about how are facilities are top notch.
Spaulding isn’t even a full 100 yards…
UCLA has
the worst facilities in the Pac-12. Another reasons why this guys is completely out of touch with reality.
by BruinFanBaby on Nov 28, 2011 2:47 PM PST up reply actions
No he said Rick was informed,
and Rick gave his ok. But Rick wasn’t the one who came up with the idea for the Unis, nor signed off on them.
by BruinFaithful on Nov 28, 2011 2:53 PM PST up reply actions
he used the word 'endorsed'
which would contradict what Rick had previously said. Unless he wasn’t talking about Rick.
I heard DG say that Rick "endorsed"
by 281bruins on Nov 28, 2011 3:03 PM PST via iPhone app up reply actions
Just plain dumb
He does not get it and I hate how he dismisses our frustration as being just passionate fans. I hate his diregard for others. The stupid white uniforms is the last straw. He must go!
At this point, considering all that has happened
it better not be “somebody with UCLA ties”…
He spoke to the young men after he talked to Rick?
How does that explain all the player tweets we saw earlier that they learned this from ESPN?
meh
he probably did speak to them, but it was already leaked.
He said thy only 30-40 in the meeting
Given total roster size a bunch never heard the news live.
by 281bruins on Nov 28, 2011 3:04 PM PST via iPhone app up reply actions
Gosh i hate looking at that face!
be a man and RESIGN!
"Success is never final, Failure is never fatal. It's Courage that counts" - John Wooden.
Unfortunately, nobody in Sports Resigns unless they are forced too.
It would not only be seen as failure to execute. But a failure to compete and fight. That is one of the reason Rick didn’t quit. He would NEVER get another coaching job. Aside from what we want, in sports, the worst thing you can do is quit.
by BruinFaithful on Nov 28, 2011 2:56 PM PST up reply actions
Call it a hunch
but doesn’t DG look like he’s sweating bullets? It looks as though he knows that the writing is on the wall for him.
he's fidgeting a lot
obviously nervous
"The true athlete should have character, not be a character."- John Wooden
"Always turn a negative situation into a positive situation."- Michael Jordan
twitter:@GGolden87
Looks curiously like a man who's ass is in the fire.
Winning is not a sometime thing; it's an all the time thing. You don't win once in a while; you don't do things right once in a while; you do them right all the time. Winning is a habit. Unfortunately, so is losing. ~ Vince Lombardi
Prince is on Mason & Ireland right now.
Don’t expect much out of him beyond coach speak.
"I have one word for you...Be careful."
-Jose Guillen
The Donut finally wears school colors!
I can’t think of another time he has.
Winning is not a sometime thing; it's an all the time thing. You don't win once in a while; you don't do things right once in a while; you do them right all the time. Winning is a habit. Unfortunately, so is losing. ~ Vince Lombardi
he really raised the bar with his "money won't be an object" statement...
he better deliver.
and by the way, it should be clear to everyone here that if DG is being shown the door, it won’t be before he makes this hire. imo, that’s another stupid move by the ptb… wouldn’t a top tier coach have second thoughts about coming here and then finding out he might have a different boss in six months or a year?
awesome
we have preemptively asked for a waiver for 6-7
I like this, actually, even if it's a bad bowl
In a perfect world, the new coach is hired on time to take part or influence some of those pre-bowl practices.
At the very least, players get some more organized practice.
I'm not against it
just seems a little defeatist to apply for a waiver before we play Oregon…
I think bowl selections start after this weekend's games
I think the hope is that the waiver keeps approved sooner rather than later, and we’re not left with a conditional bowl bid like a couple years ago.
I think you're right
The bowl selections are all finalized the day after the season ends (this Sunday).
Chianti says they have applied for the bowl waiver
Feels we would go if granted a waiver.
greg in denver, U.C.L.A. guy for life - BruinsNation.com
If we can hire a guy this week and get him in now
That would be a few weeks for the new coach to put in his system and get with the team.
He said they Tweeted them to inform them of the special meeting
Around 11am, letting them know Rick was gone. I hope he meant texted.
by BruinFaithful on Nov 28, 2011 2:57 PM PST up reply actions
tweeted the players about the meeting...
hahahahahahahahaha….. pathetic
"The true athlete should have character, not be a character."- John Wooden
"Always turn a negative situation into a positive situation."- Michael Jordan
twitter:@GGolden87
Personally, I'd would have liked us to not apply for the waiver
As a team with a losing record, think it sends the wrong message for our program. I want our FB program to have higher aspirations.
Disagree
The bowl would be fun for the team and give us more practice time. No downside in my opinion.
need all the practice time we can get.
Not to mention, allow the interim coach to decide if he wants to sit KP
Winning is not a sometime thing; it's an all the time thing. You don't win once in a while; you don't do things right once in a while; you do them right all the time. Winning is a habit. Unfortunately, so is losing. ~ Vince Lombardi
Disagree w/ Iowa
Right now, as many people have said, UCLA Football is a national joke. The product we put out is substandard. The announcers have all seen it and comment on it. If DG doesn’t not hire a “out of the park, home run coach” in the next two to three weeks and waits till the bowl season is over all their talk about UCLA will be about the problems the program has. I really don’t think we want to be under that microscope right now. Our facilities are suspect, attendance is down, historically we do not pay market rates for a top flight coaching staff. Do we really want this kind of exposure?
As for fun for the team, call me a hard ass but I don’t think they deserve a bowl game. They bear quite a bit of responsibility for this season. As for more practice time, practice what? a failed system that most likely will be thrown out with the new coach.
He makes me want to retch
Doesn’t he look like that hapless sergeant from the Zorro tv show. Anybody have that visual?
But he talks like Sgt. Schultze!
Winning is not a sometime thing; it's an all the time thing. You don't win once in a while; you don't do things right once in a while; you do them right all the time. Winning is a habit. Unfortunately, so is losing. ~ Vince Lombardi
I love this picture!
This is Sergeant Garcia from the Zorro TV series. He loved wine that is for sure!
Ques about waiver
Can the application be denied?
by West_Offshore '95 on Nov 28, 2011 2:55 PM PST reply actions
It probably will
because of how many 6 win teams there are without 5 embarrassing losses.
"I have one word for you...Be careful."
-Jose Guillen
As bad as the Twitter comment sounds.
That is completely standard procedure for college football firings. I went through one this year and the exact same thing happened. This is also exactly what my who is a walk-on at AU said happened.
It lets the players know that something big is going on and to be ready for it. Not possible to individually call everyone, have to get them assembled and ready for the meeting.
"I have one word for you...Be careful."
-Jose Guillen
Did anyone else see how fkg nervous he was?
My boxer champ friend said, “Wouldn’t YOU be?” LOL
EWWWWW.
Winning is not a sometime thing; it's an all the time thing. You don't win once in a while; you don't do things right once in a while; you do them right all the time. Winning is a habit. Unfortunately, so is losing. ~ Vince Lombardi
Rick Neuheisel Twitter:
“Thanks to all Bruin fans for a wonderful opportunity these last 4 years. I look forward to leading our team once more on Friday. Go Bruins!”
Because think of the suffocating D Bamako plays.
And Auburn has a pretty darn good offense. I don’t even need to give reasons for Peterson
+1
I’m surprised Malzahn’s name isn’t popping up more as a HC candidate.
by donacciani on Nov 28, 2011 3:17 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
I think pretty much everybody respects him around here.
I’m a Mike Leach guy myself. Maybe you can do a write up, trumpeting the virtues of Gus Malzahn; get some support.
I think Malzahn would be a great hire. I just have a favorite in mind already.
Winning is not a sometime thing; it's an all the time thing. You don't win once in a while; you don't do things right once in a while; you do them right all the time. Winning is a habit. Unfortunately, so is losing. ~ Vince Lombardi
Good idea ill get working on it
Although I might like Leach better too! But it will be interesting to see.
You lose Cam Newton
and your offense is gonna suffer. Just look at what the guy is doing in the NFL right now.
Petros and Money Reporting
Petros and Money reporting that UCLA will throw a ton of cash at Petersen. Let’s hope. Petros and Money talking about UCLA and coaching situation.
Petros and Money also reporting that Casey Wasserman, UCLA Alum, and Grandson of Billionaire Lew Wasserman, getting VERY involved in new coaching hire. They are reporting that he is pushing for Chris Petersen.
Jon Gold on soon. Here is the link.
http://www.iheart.com/#/live/189/?autoplay=true
Peterson kid
well supposedly his kid is special needs and his doctor got transfered to UCLA! im liking this. THey need to strike quick.
Based on Wasserman's recent tweet
Very glad to have his involvement.
greg in denver, U.C.L.A. guy for life - BruinsNation.com
Donut said TV deal + DONORS are springing for some big Dough (NOT NUTS) helping with the $ to getter done.
I think all things considered…We GOT’M.
This also needs to be a part of the systemic change
Big donors need to have input into how they want their money spent. There is no way the old system of throwing money into the Morgan Center black box and hoping for the best is acceptable anymore. This will be necessary not only for hiring the next coach and his staff but in the facilities upgrade rollout. We saw what happens when the Morgan Center Knows Best attitude takes over: the botched Pauley renovation.
They said that David Vasseigh got a call from another large donor.
The donor said that they’re putting up money for Peterson and assistants and upgrading the facilities according to the radio report. Sounds like they are telling Dan what to do.
Go Bruins!
I'm listening but I'm on a slight delay online, I think
Didn’t hear anyone say that.
"I have one word for you...Be careful."
-Jose Guillen
Petros and Money reporting that
Petersen’s kid’s doctor has been transferred to the UCLA Medical Center
P&M also reporting Petersen no likey Boise's new Pres
"The true athlete should have character, not be a character."- John Wooden
"Always turn a negative situation into a positive situation."- Michael Jordan
twitter:@GGolden87
Holy Crap
I’m late to the party. Been offline all day and just logged on to see the news and the amazing reaction. I have a lot of catching up to to do. Bittersweet day in Bruin Nation. Exciting to think about a new regime and sad for Rick who gave his all but it just wasn’t enough.
Now, somebody call Mike Leach!
by DoubleTroubleBruin on Nov 28, 2011 3:31 PM PST reply actions
I have said and will probably say it again.
Petros is somehow the best broadcaster in LA. I absolutely despised the dude like 3 years ago, but his voice is less annoying now.
And he is consistently the most honest, unbiased, upfront, and informed commentator on any station.
Really worrisome that he is a Trojan and lightyears ahead of anyone else.
"I have one word for you...Be careful."
-Jose Guillen
I hear P&M when they sub for Rome
I agree with you 100%. I also think he’s pretty intelligent, with some of the humor or sarcasm he comes up with.
greg in denver, U.C.L.A. guy for life - BruinsNation.com
He's grown on me too
What ever happened to his brother who walked on at UCLA?
P said really nice things about Rick too.
How good he was with them and how good he was to his brother.
Go Bruins!
I agree
He is fantastic. Not a big money fan, but Petros is top rate
by silverlakebruin on Nov 28, 2011 3:54 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
At first I disliked Petros
But I realized I just didn’t like what he was saying. What he was saying, however, was true, and there was no point in me going after the messenger.
+1
I even took a pic with him when he broadcasted a game at the Rose Bowl last year. Total nice guy.
Oh UCLA you sweet bitch, you've BRUINed me for anything else.
Gold just said there are UCLA coaches that take the bus from Santa Clarita to Westwood.
How is that okay and how have we not heard about that before?
Yet another strike against Guerrero, in my opinion.
I’m at a D3 and we put our assistant coaches up within 3 miles of school.
"I have one word for you...Be careful."
-Jose Guillen
Maybe some of them like the area.
There aren’t many single-family homes with a backyard around Westwood that aren’t obscenely expensive and it’s less hectic up there.
30 miles away is too far for a football coach to live from his school.
Too much time commitment to travel that distance at any level.
"I have one word for you...Be careful."
-Jose Guillen
I agree with that.
Especially with the traffic in the area.
I recall that Dorrell lived out there when he was HC
and that our assistants tend to live away from campus due to housing costs.
I believe that Stanford helps out their coaches (and profs) with housing near campus, and the Palo Alto/Silicon Valley housing market is absolute murder. Why can’t we do something similar?
formerly bruinhoo
by Patroclus on Nov 28, 2011 3:48 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
I don't know of a single successful program that doesn't do that.
And I have speckled friends and guys I played with at programs all over the place that I’m going to try and ask for confirmation tonight. But that is crazy to find out.
It isn’t as big of a deal for a head coach as it is for assistants though.
"I have one word for you...Be careful."
-Jose Guillen
Stanford owns a lot of those houses
They have had tons of housing for grad students and professors for years now and have built more and more the last few years. Everytime I went home there’d be new ones being built.
by maccabita4life on Nov 28, 2011 4:08 PM PST up reply actions
Lot easier to put up coaches in La Verne and the surrounding area than it is in Westwood. I’m not saying that it is right that they have to take the bus, but the real estate reality is what it is with respect to the area surrounding UCLA.
I'm not saying that it would be easy or cheap
but it is necessary.
You get what you put into a program.
"I have one word for you...Be careful."
-Jose Guillen
Also.
Comparing La Verne’s athletic budget to UCLA’s more than offsets the housing market difference.
"I have one word for you...Be careful."
-Jose Guillen
True...
BTW, La Verne is great. I live there. Actually went to the game against Cal Lutheran this year.
What did you think of the new black jerseys?
You should have picked a different game though.
"I have one word for you...Be careful."
-Jose Guillen
What's wrong with UCLA's practice facilities (Spaulding Field)?
Not defending it at all — genuinely curious. I’ve been hearing that this is something that is proposed to be fixed with the new hire, and Jon Gold is talking about how it’s a joke right now. I know a lot of folks on BN have mentioned it too. Could you folks give me the quick hit explanation what we need to bring this thing up to speed? Thanks.
The field is 80 yards long.
Real football fields are 120 yds
greg in denver, U.C.L.A. guy for life - BruinsNation.com
and the goalposts are crooked.
formerly bruinhoo
by Patroclus on Nov 28, 2011 3:49 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
Grass and turf also?
Wierd non uniform surface.
Spaulding needs more than renovation.
it needs to be ditched altogether. The team should practice on the IM field.
Winning is not a sometime thing; it's an all the time thing. You don't win once in a while; you don't do things right once in a while; you do them right all the time. Winning is a habit. Unfortunately, so is losing. ~ Vince Lombardi
Don't sell Dan short
I’m guessing that the projected Spaulding renovation will cost 450 million, but will still leave the practice field 40 yards short of standard. No complete re-builds, such as moving to the IM field, or expanding into what is now Parking Lot 6, will have been considered. Never mind that a complete re-build could have been done for a fraction of the price. A survey of hand-selected representatives of the players (primarily towel boys and water boys) will rationalize the renovation as the ideal plan.
Gold: "... we need to see a 'wholesale change'..."
Guess who’s probably reading BN on a regular basis…
Gold:
“Players said they needed to see a “wholesale change” to stay."
Awesome.
"I have one word for you...Be careful."
-Jose Guillen
If I recall correctly
Dorrell lived in the Santa Clarita area. It’s nice there. Good schools, lower home prices than on the Westside. If you lived near campus, you’d be paying 2-3x more for real estate, and you’d be more likely to have to private school your kids. So I don’t consider this to the worst indictment of the program.
He did.
Girl I dated for a bit in college lived two doors down. Not a terrible commute, especially since I’m sure the coaches aren’t driving into/out of Westwood at the same hours as everybody else.
Commute time
True about the odd hours. Most coaches probably don’t hit the 405 at 5PM. When I did grad school classes at night, I could get home from UCLA to the Conejo Valley in 42 minutes. And that’s about the same distance to Santa Clarita, maybe a little less.
I suppose it’s possible that you could live closer to campus, but with Westside traffic being so bad these days, living closer distance-wise doesn’t mean you get home any sooner.
It certainly isn't the worst indictment.
But it is a major strike.
And explains a lot about Dorrell, in my opinion.
Football is the only sport in the world that requires a damn near 24/7 commitment. You cannot be an hour away from campus and expect to provide the hours needed to have a successful program.
Especially, assistants who do more coaching than a head coach and have that 1-on-1 time with players.
It is a bigger deal than you think, trust me.
"I have one word for you...Be careful."
-Jose Guillen
and when I say brownie points
I mean I’ll actually go buy a bunch of brownies for him and Sam Strong. Fun guys to watch/read on his blog.
Justin Wilcox
Is he our new DC? or are they rumors…
Just saw that rumor too
He did coach at Bosie so maybe Petersen will bring him over
Does hiring Petersen mean we have to keep Dan?
If Dan is going to Boise to save his job, is Chris Petersen worth hiring if it also meant Guerrero also stays?
I think firing Guerrero is priority #1.
Landing Petersen
would be the coaching equivalent of beating Southern Cal, beating Oregon, then going on to win the Rose Bowl, then parlaying that into the #1 recruiting class in the country. Let’s see if it happens first.
Except that it doesn't sound like it's Dan that is landing him.
It’s Wasserman and at least one other big donor.
Go Bruins!
Not really,
beating sc and then beating Oregon will prove the hire.
Proclaiming that a coaching change has narrowed a gap has been a failed strategy.
sjh
How much money do we actually have?
Hey all! Great news on today for Bruin fans, although it’s sad that we have to rebuild once against. Right now, the highest paid UC employee is Jeff Tedford – 2.35 million. Peterson (hot candidate) makes about 1.8 million at Boise State. It just begs the question for me, can we offer this guy 3 million over 5-6 years? Is that too much, or just enough, ect.
We’ve got the TV money, but CA is bankrupt. Interested in hearing all of your opinions . . .
Depends on how much the major boosters put up
And, sounds like they will put up the money
Morgan Center/Athletics is seperate in terms of budget
and aside from some student fees, is financially self-sufficient. And that is not counting the new $11-14 million from the new TV deal and more booster donations. the only relevance of the state/UC financial problems is in PR/lazy reporters looking for a story.
formerly bruinhoo
by Patroclus on Nov 28, 2011 4:11 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
Correct but
I thought all new contracts had to be approved by the UC Regents. Which could prove to be a problem even if DG and Block are on board ponying up a bunch of money for a new HC. I think this is the case because does anyone remember the hold up in approving Norm Chow’s raise about 2 years back? DG and UCLA had approved it, but it needed UC Regents approval.
The biggest problem is going to be the political aspect of paying a coach several million dollars.
Even though we can “afford” it and even though the revenues from the football program can carry it. People will whine about “priorities” and claim education is being shortchanged. If the regents and university staff are in front of it, we can handle it. Problem is, will Guerrero leading the charge it will be an epic fail.
If we don’t pay a Chris Petersen or a Mike Leach the $3 million + that they will need, we are going to remain inferior.
by BrendonBruin on Nov 28, 2011 8:10 PM PST up reply actions
TV contract...
Under the current contract each school receives ~$5MM. Under the new contract that goes into effect next year each school will have ~$21MM. That’s a lot of extra cabbage.
I don't have much
but hell I’ll chip in what little I can. Just get it done, Please!!
If . . .
DG brings Peterson, I might have to like him.
I will . . .
purchase a Crispy Creme franchise to put in the Morgan Center if CP is hired. I’m still in school, but I’ll put it #1 on my list.
UCLA is believed to be able to offer a contract worth more than $3 million annually that includes donations from boosters.
To get Petersen.
That sounds legit, but
do you believe it? He would become the highest paid employee in the UC system.
"LAT reporting" isn't quite accurate
LAT/Foster look to be cribbing from other sources in "breaking’ that news.
formerly bruinhoo
by Patroclus on Nov 28, 2011 4:18 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
Good JOB to every Bruin here and all over the US.
I believe we DID make a huge difference. We MUST keep our gas pedal DOWN.
Urban Meyer was officially hired Monday as Ohio State's football coach, ending weeks of intense speculation about whether he will take over the program.
$4 million p yr. We are playing with the big boys now. YES!
Get a life!
I think the “writters” on this site need to get a life. I have been a season ticket holder for over 30 years, so my voice should count. It’s a sad day when good men like RN and DG are being dragged through the coals. Come on people, this isn’t Penn State. Let’s keep some perspective. Kids at this time are protesting tuition hikes. I have met both RN and DG several times and they are all class, unlike the people trying to force them out. Do I want to win? YES. Am I mad that we lost 50-0? YES. But, at what cost? if follow the SC plan then we are no better than them. Botton line, you will not find a coach that will work harder or want to win more for UCLA than RN. Shame.
Only thing shameful.....
…..is your apathy. Don’t presume to lecture. Time and age don’t give you anymore voice than anyone else. We choose to act – not sit on our asses and watch our school get run over repeatedly.
Dude you're hilarious
that had me going there for a sec. Wait are you serious?
Exhibit 1
of why UCLA has been terrible at football.
Hey Rich, my sister is all class and went to UCLA, can she come coach the team?
You’re the one who needs perspective if you’re equating tuition hikes with football. Why even bring that up? Say, are you out there protesting tuition hikes? Nope, you’re on your butt whining about us. So please save your holier than thou act. You are pathetic.
But hey, what do I know. I’m just the 800 lbs bruin in the room.
Do not confuse effort with achievement
No one is personally criticizing Neuheisel here. We are criticizing his results. I would hope that you would want a surgeon or an accountant or a teacher of your kids to be focused on results, rather than just trying really really hard. No one is calling for institutionalized cheating and paying players and not educating them. We are calling for someone who will work hard AND succeed.
By the way, “writers” has one “t”. Shame.
greg in denver, U.C.L.A. guy for life - BruinsNation.com
I've been a season ticket holder for 200 years
My e-peen is bigger than yours, and I am happy with this move. I’d like to congratulate the writters and the critters and the sitters who made this all possible. Chianti Dan is next!
by Tydides on Nov 28, 2011 4:13 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Why compare to SC
There are lot’s of programs out there committed to, and succeeding at, WINNING….WINNING CHAMPIONSHIPS who have not reduced themselves to the cheating ways of SC. It takes money and dedication from the athletic department and most importantly a coach who is (i) a leader, (ii) a teacher and (iii) can inspire kids to reach a level of performance they didn’t know was there. Please tell me what university in the U.S. deserves this type of coach more than UCLA?
Hey 30 year season ticket holder
If you have been satisfied with the product you have been watching a half a dozen Saturdays on the field for over a decade and don’t feel the need to call for change, I think it is you that needs to get a life my friend.
Would you keep a plumber that jacked up your plumbing...
because he was classy? Or because you don’t live in Beverly Hills, so I guess you don’t need your plumbing to work?
You sir are part of the problem
“Botton line, you will not find a coach that will work harder or want to win more for UCLA than RN.”
Unfortunately, this is not t-ball for 4 year olds where effort and sportsmanship are the most important traits.
College FB is about WINNING. There are no prizes for LOSING!
and get $1 million + for doing it!
You need to wake up buddy and see reality. Red Sanders said, “Winning isn’t everything. It’s the ONLY thing.”
Everyone is right
RN is a great Bruin, a class act, and honestly, when he was hired I thought we were going to go big time. RN is not a good football coach. Prior to UCLA, he had two stints at schools for three year periods, where his teams continued to get worse. The decision to go all in with the pistol offense was, well, terrible. He made the decision, and he has now paid for it. Everyone should thank RN, and wish him the best, but it’s time for a change.
As for DG, I really don’t know. We’ve won several national championships under his regime? Is he better or worse than prior DGs? He is 0 for 2 on football coaches, which is a strike against. And furthermore, he was the one who decided on the uniforms against USC. For UCLA, I don’t think football is all that counts. It’s the entire sports program. I’d be interested to see how he stacks up to others . . . (hint hint, BN writers).
Red also said, "Losing to SC isn't the end of the world. It's more important than that."
50 to 0? It is worse. Shame on RN.
BTW, Sanders coached our ONLY FB National Champs.
Then died in the sack in a hotel with a girl. Well, no one’s perfect.
not a bad way to go
What is a better way to die.?
by guruofbruins on Nov 28, 2011 4:45 PM PST up reply actions
WTF
What the f_ _ _ is wrong with the way he died? Just as long she was over 18. She was over 18 wasn’t she?
She had been around the track several times. She was waaaay over 18.
by BrendonBruin on Nov 28, 2011 8:14 PM PST up reply actions
One more question
If she was waaaay over 18 she was alive, right? Please tell me she was alive at the time.
Thank you RN for saving Brett Hundley...
Whoever the new coach is will hopefully implement an actual qb competition that will result in the best qb starting. And with that pistol experiment over we might finally have consistent competitive offense.The good thing is Hundley wasn’t soiled by this offense by having to run for his life. The last thing we would have needed is another young inexperienced qb being traumatized.
DG Has Been Set Up to Fail
If it is true that “money will not be an issue”, and that Petersen has many reasons to come to UCLA, including his son’s health (which probably trumps all other issues, the failure to deliver may well get DG fired.
If he cannot close the deal, he may be in deep shit.
I’ll be happy with Petersen, but still prefer Leach. He is innovation on steroids AND has won in a major conference playing against major talent. For the last two coaching administrations, we’ve proved that we cannot play complex schemes. Leach is the king of simple.
If DG does not bring in Petersen, I hope he is fired, immediately and the new AD brings in Leach.
sjh
Of Like Minds...
if DG wants peace with the Bruin community at-large he has, in my mind, two options;
-Petersen
-Leach
My preference is Leach quite simply because of the two he is the biggest anti-Donahue influence. His book is compelling and all this BS about controversy and baggage is just that…BS. Leach!…you magnificent bast$#%..! I read your Book !!!
by GemCityBruin on Nov 28, 2011 4:48 PM PST up reply actions
Petersen was pretty amazing in the Fiesta Bowl against Oklahoma.
I like Leach a lot. But it we have the chance to get Petersen, I say go for it.
Problem is, Guerrero will try to hire someone on the cheap. Once again. And he will be looking for someone with Bruin connections. Once again.
In other words, Guerrero will try to hire someone who mirrors himself.
Once again.
The coach hire should be announced as soon as possible. I suspect Guerrero will be dithering about the new coach through next January.
I hope I am wrong on all counts.
If Guerrero fails to make a big hire by December 21, Block should fire his ass for cause. Of course, Block should fire him now. For cause.
by BrendonBruin on Nov 28, 2011 8:19 PM PST up reply actions
Why No Dialogue? Why the Rush to Petersen?
Yes, it’s a splashy hire. But, I think we deserve to have Leach interviewed.
It looks like Wasserman is choosing the new coach and buying him with his own money.
Although it might be OK, and Petersen is clearly qualified, I think it’s a bit dangerous to follow this path. (For those of you who know the Leach situation at Tech, do you see the same red flags about powerful alum’s exerting influence over an AD that I see. This result may be fine — but it is a dangerous precedent.)
If you like the idea, I have another. Let’s let he largest donors to the University pick the chancellor.
sjh
everything i've heard/read from the Morgan Center
is that Leach is a non-candidate. He is simply too controversial – which is BS in my opinion, but I’m not running the show.
by bucknellbruin on Nov 28, 2011 4:37 PM PST up reply actions
shying away from controversy
Everything UCLA has done in the past 10 years in athletics has been exactly that
To answer both your questions,
just remember who’s doing the non-dialoguing and the rushing.
If Dan’s choices are (a) to make a quick, splashy, and safe hire and take some heat off himself immediately, or (b) to conduct a thorough, professional search including serious interviews with all top-tier candidates, including Leach, then I think he chooses (a) every time. If he strikes out on Petersen, I think he falls back to plan (b) with a short list of other safe candidates. I’m guessing his safe list doesn’t include Leach.
Not that I condone the process, but that’s what I think is going on. I’d be thrilled with either.
I agree.
If it were me with the $3 million, I sure as hell wouldn’t want to zero in on any one candidate at the expense of others. Granted, I’m partial to Leach after reading his book, but still. Interview a bunch of people, and get the best one possible, and get us back to where we belong.
Take a page from Coach’s book – be quick, but don’t hurry.
BEN.......
I hope you get the message, get some fire under your ass and win big today. And, play the best players not your favorites..can we start a campaign to inspire Ben to win some games!!!
by TheUniversityOfTheMasses~Reconize! on Nov 28, 2011 4:34 PM PST reply actions
There will be plenty of time to zero in on Howland
This community won’t forget what is going on with basketball.
I know I threw out Gary Patterson's name out in a previous thread
but I am wondering what would be wrong with making, at the very least, some effort to talk to him. He’s a proven winner. I am onboard with having petersen, but I would make some effort. If Arizona can talk to Urban Meyer, why can’t we make an attempt to talk to Patterson. Thoughts?
because he's already making $3M+ and his school is moving to an AQ conference
by Kenneth Powers on Nov 28, 2011 4:39 PM PST up reply actions
yep
Urban Meyer was out of work when Arizona talked to him. Patterson has built a powerhouse at TCU and their prospects are getting a lot brighter next year
by bucknellbruin on Nov 28, 2011 4:40 PM PST up reply actions
Unfortunate that Rick had to go
Read it in another thread, likely caught in the wrong place and the wrong time, guy is clearly UCLA through and through, it’s so depressing that he was unable to perform on the field.
My undeducated opinion...
1. Guerrero had no intention of firing Rick until after Friday’s slaughter.
2. The money folks and/or Block ordered the firing.
3. The money folks will do the hiring.
4. Guerrero will leave in June because he has a “better” opportunity(i.e., will try to avoid losing face , he will be allowed to remain until June so that his leaving is not directly tied to the football fiasco.
5.The press conference was an attempt only to save face(i.e., to make it look like he is in charge).
I agree w #1-3
But I also believe that Block did not plan on firing Dan – or expect the heat he is seeing/hearing about it. My guess is that Dan’s comeuppings will be coming during or after bb season if the continues to flounder in suckage. Figure that Block now has a stronger sense of where fans/donors opinion of Dan are so he can start to better prepare for his replacement.
Obviously this is all purely speculation on my part.
I should be working right now...
Given how nervous Dan looked
at the presser I think he may have been spoken to. I have a gut feeling that DG may be on a very short rope despite what Block said concerning his confidence in DG and his ability to find a new head coach. Don’t be surprised if Donahue assumes the AD position on a temporary basis. I have nothing to back this up it is just a gut feeling.
ugh nbc news
reporting Tom Cable is a potential candidate, obviously not true. why do people keep reporting this.
4 Million puts UCLA
in the upper half of the NFL pay scale. I don’t follow the NFL though… Any coaches in the bottom half of the NFL pay scale that would be good candidates for UCLA?
Why?
I know it is a different skill set, but many NFL coaches went to the NFL after a successful college career, like Jim Harbaugh.
But the reverse isn't as true.
Particularly someone in the lower-half of the NFL payscale that is not otherwise in line to move up the payscale in the NFL
formerly bruinhoo
my 2 pennies
I actually would prefer John Gruden or maybe Eric Mangini although Peterson is a good coach if we can get him. I liked what was said that a coach who can be a teacher would conform a good candidate. I like Grudren, he seems like a fit to the UCLA community.
"Winners Then, Winners Now... Bruin in Madrid"
by uclaprofe on Nov 28, 2011 5:59 PM PST via iPhone app reply actions
Not if we're talking Jon Gruden
Dude is horrible. Followed him since I’m a Bucs fan and the dude pissed everyone off. He runs offensive schemes that are too complicated for college. Also, if you think people had problems with Rick screaming at QB’s think of what would happen once Chucky starts cussin up a storm on the sideline. Not to mention that he can’t ever find a QB he likes. He’d probably recruit 3 or 4 QB’s a year and not like any of them.
I'm in the same boat as you man.
Gruden is unbelievably overrated. All he really did in Tampa was take over Dungy’s consistent championship quality team and proceed to turn it into a inconsistent first round loser or Top 5 pick team.
His time on ESPN has really made people forget about these issues.
"I have one word for you...Be careful."
-Jose Guillen
I personally don't mind Gruden
I like the attitude he has, there’s a swag to him and even though he might run complex schemes he has used them in the pro’s compared to a basic Pistol offense, but I see your points as well. Maybe a guy like Tony Dungy if he’s willing to come out. Idk I hope whomever comes in can do the job and restore some credibility to us. I think we need a quarterback ASAP too.
"Winners Then, Winners Now... Bruin in Madrid"
by uclaprofe on Nov 28, 2011 7:56 PM PST via iPhone app up reply actions
Love Peterson because he accepts the challenge...
In a small school like Boise St., he worked endlessly to put that program on the map with the big boys. No fear. No quitting. Concern is that I don’t recall Boise facing big time programs like LSU or Alabama, so no way of telling how good he is on a consistent basis.
Like Leach because he seems to be an edgy no B.S. guy.
A question for the college football x’s and o’s people. Powerhouses like LSU, Alabama, Oklahoma, Wisconsin…why does it seem like their style is so much more different and perhaps even intimidating? It’s like a “punch ’em in the mouth” style of play. Besides SUC, I can’t think of another PAC12 team that is similar to that style. There are plenty of discussion that Stanford or Oregon has no chance against LSU or Alabama, and I probably agree. Is that a focus on the West Coast offense that PAC12 teams tend to play? Someone enlighten me please.
USC isn't really similar at all to those powerhouses you mentioned.
Don’t get me wrong, they are the closest thing to that in the Pac-12 (including Stanford).
It comes down to the lineman. SEC lineman are bigger and more physical and frighteningly faster than Pac-12 lineman. Not saying that Pac-12 lineman are bad; but it is a different animal in the front 7.
That is why Oregon’s offense got slowed by LSU and Auburn last year. And why I do not like Stanford’s chances against someone like Arkansas in a BCS bowl.
Wisconsin and Oklahoma are the same usually, though I have not been impressed by OU this year.
It always comes down to the big guys.
"I have one word for you...Be careful."
-Jose Guillen
thanks IE...
so is it a matter of not enough of these monster big and fast guys to go around? why do PAC12 teams not go after these guys or adopt their style? From what I can remember, championship teams tend to have this style…no, not suggesting our BRUINS should switch offense…GOD no…but just curious.
Those guys seem to stay at home or at least in the South.
I don’t see why they can’t be developed out on the West Coast; but West Coast lineman tend to be more finesse.
Defensively, the SEC type exists out here. It is just a matter of finding them.
There’s a reason why Marsh was committed to LSU, and why Owa was courted by the SEC.
"I have one word for you...Be careful."
-Jose Guillen
We had a beast like that who wasted his career here under 2 lame coaches
His name was Brian Price…
The main difference I see is...
PAC12 WC/Spread offenses rely so much on rhythm, timing, and agile OL in both the run and pass games, which is why teams like Oregon struggle in bowl games/ season openers where there is a long layoff, especially against athletic SEC defenses like Auburn last year and LSU this year who have larger DL that disrupt that rhythm.
"The true athlete should have character, not be a character."- John Wooden
"Always turn a negative situation into a positive situation."- Michael Jordan
twitter:@GGolden87
Good Riddance
Now we only have one “RN” to be concerned about . . . you know, the kid on the cover of SI who “won’t be starting any games any time soon.”
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