Passing The Written Exam: UCLA's New DC Joe Tresey A Solid Pick On Paper
by Meriones on Feb 16, 2011 2:00 AM PST
in Football
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PrintAs we discussed yesterday, CRN ended the almost-60-day march in the hiring desert by selecting Joe Tresey as our new defensive coordinator. Although Tresey somehow managed to be the ONLY candidate out there to not end up on the laundry-list of DC candidates, it looks like CRN made a solid choice to run the D on paper. The ultimate results won't be known until the 2011 season is under way, but at a minimum, we have good reason to feel better about this position than we did the past 59 days.
So, running down the list of inevitable questions for this way-under-the-radar selection:
(1) Is he qualified?
Um, yeah. As stated yesterday, Tresey was the defensive coordinator at the University of South Florida (2009 season) and at Cincinnati (2007 and 2008 seasons). However, Tresey was also a DC at other schools before then. Per the official site (emphasis added):
Tresey, 52, joined Kelly's staff at Central Michigan [as defensive coordinator] in 2006 and quickly implemented a style that forced 29 turnovers and 31 sacks in 14 games. His MAC Championship defense registered four players with all-league plaudits.
For two seasons (2004-05) prior to joining the CMU staff, Tresey was defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at Georgia Southern. The Eagles' defense ranked fourth nationally in total defense in 2004. While in Statesboro, Tresey helped lead the Eagles to back-to-back NCAA Division I-AA Playoff appearances. He also mentored a pair of all-Southern Conference linebackers.
Tresey coordinated the defense and coached defensive backs at Akron during the 2002-03 seasons. He served the previous three years (1999- 2001) as defensive secondary coach at Virginia Military Institute. Tresey began his college coaching career as the defensive coordinator at Otterbein in 1995.
According to this info, and Tresey’s previous bio at both the Cincinnati website and the USF website, Tresey has been a DC at one college level or another for TWELVE (12) years. That’ll work. More after the jump.
(2) If he’s so good, why was his last job as the DB coach for the Omaha Nighthawks in the UFL?
This was a doozy. In an uncanny bit of irony, we got this guy this February precisely because he was stuck looking for a job last February.
The WWL's college football blog breaks the situation down pretty well. Per the WWL's own report on January 8, 2010, then-USF-head coach Jim Leavitt was fired after an investigation concluded that Leavitt struck one of his players and lied about it. Not long thereafter, USF hired Skip Holtz as Leavitt’s replacement.
Back in May 2010, SI.com (as also referenced by WWL) broke it down like this (emphasis added):
Before 2011, no one had ever heard of a BCS-conference school actually hiring a new coordinator -- let alone two of them like USF did -- so late in the off-season. Since neither UCLA nor Maryland was shopping for a DC at this time last year, Tresey became a Nighthawk. In this economy, can’t blame a guy for taking the first available job and going to the Nighthawks.
(3) So is he a 4-3 guy or a 3-4 guy?
He’s looking like a 4-3 guy, but our new DC explained it in his own words yesterday:
It’s a multiple 4-3 and within the package, we have the ability to play a 3-4. We’re going to play a match-up defense, maybe a nickel, with five DBs, or a dime. At the end of the day, it’s all about playing fast, and fundamentally, you have to be very sound. You have to be able to attack protections. You have to keep the ball in front of the defense and inside the defense. You have to be able to put your kids in a position to be successful, understand your strengths and accentuate them, and diminish your weaknesses.
Well… I have no idea what all that coach-speak means. Still, it looks the like the new DC is willing to mix up his sets. So far, so good.
(4) Yeah, but is he going to be more aggressive than his predecessor?
Sounds like a "yes" there, people. We already went over his impressive forced turnover and defensive yardage stats from Cincinnati and USF.
We also found this little tidbit from a lengthy conference call at the time of his March 2009 (yep, MARCH) hire at USF:
On what he wanted his defenses at Cincinnati to be known for...
I think being able to play fast. Be known as a very fundamentally sound team. You don’t have alignment problems. You’re [sic] kids are good at meeting and defeating blocks and trying to create turnovers. You throw third down in there and red-zone, scoring defense. We want people to watch us and see a team that played very fast. We were physical and good fundamentally.
If that means we won’t be running in subs while our opponent is finishing up their freaking snap counts, then I’m all for it.
(5) What in the world took so long?
As CRN explained it in yesterday's conference call:
Neuheisel on why he didn’t hire Tresey earlier:
I wanted to be thorough. I didn’t know Joe. There were other guys I didn’t know. I wanted to be right. I was trying to do as much due diligence as I could."Neuheisel on tabbing at least three other candidates to be the DC before ending up with Tresey:
There were some guys I waited on through the bowl season. There were some guys that I knew. There is a comfort zone in hiring someone you know. That’s why the process took longer.
OK, we still don’t know how to answer that one. CRN worked with Fangio in Baltimore, and boosters and fans remembered Long from the late 90s… but CRN REALLY took his sweet time on this one.
(6) How did we NOT hear about this until it was a done deal?
Well, given that the LA Times’ so-called UCLA beat writer, Chris Foster, was such an uncanny source of breaking information on the tumultuous situation regarding our possible hire of a former U$C assistant via his Twitter account, made the effort to alert the aforementioned assistant about the Daily Trogan’s report on the subject, and indirectly led to the Daily Trogan taking down the infamous text by said assistant, then we thought it only fair that we look at what Mr. Foster had to say about this outside-the-box, yet proven choice for coordinator on his Twitter page as of 12:00 a.m. this morning, February 16:
Yesterday's UCLA staff changes: http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-ucla-football-20110211,0,6337353.story
On paper, we think Tresey is a solid hire. Tresey brings a considerable record of experience, aggressiveness, and effectiveness to the DC position.
However, paper is no proxy for performance. Tresey looks good on paper, but the written exam is only part of the overall grade. We’ll keep our fingers crossed for the coming season. Tresey may not have been the first choice, but he might turn out to be the best choice.
Welcome aboard, Coach Tresey!
M
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Comments
Well said, M
and I’m excited to see what CJT can do. Even though last season had left me utterly depressed, I think I can’t help but feel a glimmer of hope again.
Or maybe I’m just a glutton for punishment.
Great track record!
In addition, I LOVE the fact that he has shown repeated success in 1 or 2 years stints. Using other peoples players, and adapting them into his systems successfully and they consistencly produce agressive results with high TO rates. Time after time, school after school, which all different types and mixes of players. Which is exactly what we need. Immediate results, with whatever the cupboard has. CJT has been there done that. Welcome. So to me this is the biggest draw that CJT has, everything above comes in second, and that is why I am suddenly so excited about this fall.
Great Write up
I have only been on this site for a few weeks and I have to say “IMPRESSIVE”
the weather
Is raining and overcast today with possible snow tonight.
DGB
by westwood12003 on Feb 16, 2011 10:40 AM PST via mobile up reply actions
Wonderful.
Rain make me homesick. In any case, glad to have more Bruin Portlanders!
"Every day was a good day at UCLA." -Coach John Wooden
by OswegoBruin on Feb 16, 2011 10:57 AM PST up reply actions
Nonsense.
That’s only the weather from September to April.
"Every day was a good day at UCLA." -Coach John Wooden
by OswegoBruin on Feb 16, 2011 12:38 PM PST up reply actions
I took a two week vacation in Portland
to visit family. It was just about the dreariest two weeks of my life. I saw the sun for exactly 2 mins out of the 2 weeks I spent there. I understand why people kill themselves all the time in the northwest. It is gorgeous and all, but no sun = no chance I’ll ever move there.
People don't kill themselves all the time
Quality of life in Portland is some of the highest in the country. Seattle is another situation entirely.
Portland is a beautiful city, with nice people, no sales tax, and some of the best public transportation in the US. Not to mention clean and exciting. Sorry you didn’t see the sun, but its definitely out. Summer in Oregon is wonderful, while summer in socal is often unbearable.
"Every day was a good day at UCLA." -Coach John Wooden
I've been there plenty of times.
the weather was what I found depressing, but that’s just me. If you get further south, the weather is much nicer, imo. The people killing themselves all the time comment was just a bit of literary overstatement :)
As you can see
hyperbole has no place in the People’s Glorious Republic of Portland. Number One supplier of Coffee, Microbrews, and pretentious hipsterism!
"Every day was a good day at UCLA." -Coach John Wooden
Wow. #1 in Pretentious hipsterism?
I thought that the SF Bay Area was #1 in that category?
Or was it ’Sanctimonious Activist Hipsterism"? ;)
by KnudsenRockne on Feb 17, 2011 10:18 AM PST up reply actions
Oh no good sir.
Portland is the birthplace of the Hipster movement. Thanks to the rise of Pabst Blue Ribbon, popularized by Portlanders drinking it to be “ironic”, this movement of thin moustaches and tight pants soon swept the nation… for some reason.
SF certainly has the activism, although Portland has its share. But SF is more the echoes of the Hippie movement, counter-culture, at least from an artistic and lifestyle standpoint. Portland still retains a normal exterior, for the most part.
"Every day was a good day at UCLA." -Coach John Wooden
by OswegoBruin on Feb 17, 2011 10:45 AM PST up reply actions
Bezerkeley has the hippie echoes
And it is a sad sight to see a geriatric sporting a grey pony tail when he has no hair on his head in front of his ears.
But SF has plenty of hipsters… and SV has the geeksters
by KnudsenRockne on Feb 17, 2011 10:52 AM PST up reply actions
I Love Portland
I spent 6 weeks there in trial a couple of years ago, and 20 years or so ago taught a summer session at the Lewis and Clark Law School.
It is one of my favorite cities in the US — and, in my mind, the most livable.
Beach and mountains in the same day? Yes. Great restaurants? Yes. Cool cultural and art scenes? Yes. Manageable and exciting downtown? Yes. Affordable? Yes. One of the world’s great bookstores? Yes. Not wild about Californians? Yes. But, hey, I’m a Texan, now.
Were my family not in CA, were I to move, I’d seriously consider Portland.
I just love that place.
sjh
Ah.... a summer session
you might change your mind during rainy season!
Qtip! Shush!
Aggression towards Portland shall not stand.
66, I’m glad you loved your time there. Texas isn’t one of my favorite places (unless you’re talking about Austin or San Antonio), but the barbecue there almost makes it worthwhile. In any case, Portland has tons of redeeming qualities, and a few not so reedeming ones. Weather is an issue, and the pace of life is too slow for a lot of Californians. That said, it’s definitely top-3 in places I would like to settle down.
California in general seems to suffer from too much pent up energy. Southern California especially seems like they are frustrated by traffic, smog, high living expenses, pricey lifestyles, and they take it out on each other. But you certainly can’t complain about the weather, the um, bipedal scenery, shall we say, or the food. Or the beaches. Those are good too.
"Every day was a good day at UCLA." -Coach John Wooden
hehe ok ok
I’ll desist. I’m not just being negative though :) I LOVE Texas and would move there in a heartbeat if I wasn’t tied to my family business here.
So Cal was finally ruined in the 1970's
by the last bit of unbridled development. Before that, it was a mellow place
with lots of potential.
Killed by Development and all them damn foreigners from the ‘M-States’
(The states that get covered in snow & slush). Every Jan 1st, they’d sit there
shivering, while watching the Rose Parade on TV … and the people out there
were in T-shirts! The M-staters vowed next year they’d be in Cali-Forn-eye-A!
Lacking any sensible governance on development, the only thing that could
have saved LA by 1970 was the Rose Parade: we needed an earthquake to
split open Colorado Blvd and engulf the parade… followed by snow. That
could have stopped it.
by KnudsenRockne on Feb 17, 2011 10:26 AM PST up reply actions
Rainy Season
The trial was in the rainy season — it rained every day I was there.
Actually, it was weird — I’d look out the hotel window, it was clear, I’d go down to walk to the courthouse and it would be raining. But, it didn’t rain long and not too hard.
And, I really like rain. Think I like weather more than climate.
One more thing I loved about Portland — the “Keep Portland Weird” bumper stickers. Austin has the same sticker.
sjh
Surprisingly, they have quite a bit in common.
Both build around a big college, most people don’t know, but Portland State is a huge university that dominates a large part of downtown. Lots of young people, and lots of eclectic businesses. Portland’s sister city, although quite a bit smaller, is Boulder, CO. People there could be transplanted to Portland, or vice versa, and you could not tell the difference. So if you’ve ever been to Boulder, you’ve been to Portland :)
"Every day was a good day at UCLA." -Coach John Wooden
Looks like a solid hire
Hope we see the results. Welcome to Westwood Coach Tresey!
199 days to get the defense ready for Case Keenum!
Dreaming of Westwood while in permanent exile in Virginia
Yes!
I’m pretty excited about cjt. I think crn found a gem. If I’m not mistaken usf’s 2007 team was ranked as high as 2. I also was not excited about Randy Shannon.
by Strathmore&Gayley on Feb 16, 2011 6:49 AM PST via mobile reply actions
We know why we had no idea this hire was coming.
We thought Tresey was a Bearcat or a Bull, not a Rabbit.
Great writeup
I still have some uncertainty but it’s great to have someone around who isn’t from the Donahue tree
Probably nothing, but
Saying “we need to keep the offense in front of us” is traditionally a conservative motto, and running Nickle and Dime hasn’t exactly worked out for us in the past decade or so. Maybe I’m bulloughfied… So it’s probably nothing
by Josh Schlichter on Feb 16, 2011 7:09 AM PST via mobile reply actions
"Bulloughfied" . . . I like that
Saying "we need to keep the offense in front of us" is traditionally a conservative motto
As opposed to the radical, successful defenses who play with the offense behind them?
I’m sorry, that was mean. I need some coffee.
We were in Nickel and Dime
Problem is, we used Nickel in its base defense against run plays, which anyone who knows anything about defense will tell you is… well lets just say it’s like using toaster ovens for mittens.
By all the sacks and interceptions, I’m thinking we’re going to be seeing a very blitz heavy style from Mr. Tresey, with a lot of people coming off the edge, forcing pressure. If we can get a good dline coach to get our kids into running lanes and to the quarterback, we can be scary.
"Every day was a good day at UCLA." -Coach John Wooden
No
I mean that in the “bend but not break” context.
by Josh Schlichter on Feb 16, 2011 11:53 AM PST up reply actions
This is a hire we can support
No denying that Neu did his due diligence. Rick knows his job is on the line, and there is no margin for error with this hire. The fact that Tresey is someone who was not on anyone’s radar at the start suggests that his qualifications and record won him this job – not his prior relationship with Neu. That’s a good thing.
A lot of the drama and angst of this process could have been alleviated with more transparency along the way, but as M said, this hire looks like what we were asking for – an qualified (non Seto), aggressive (non Bullough), creative (non Shannon) DC. It’s a bonus, in my mind, that he is from outside the U.C.L.A. lineage. Welcome, Coach Tresey!! Let’s start with some form tackling drills.
greg in denver, UCLA guy for life - BruinsNation.com
by gbruin on Feb 16, 2011 7:14 AM PST reply actions 1 recs
Oh, and Foster is a complete tool.
How the LAT employs a guy like that is beyond me. Oh, wait. It’s the LAT. Never mind.
We miss you, Mr. Murray.
greg in denver, UCLA guy for life - BruinsNation.com
As you say previously
If we waited around any longer:
ESTRAGON:
What about hanging ourselves?
VLADIMIR:
Hmm. It’d give us an erection.
ESTRAGON:
(highly excited). An erection!
VLADIMIR:
With all that follows. Where it falls mandrakes grow. That’s why they shriek when you pull them up. Did you not know that?
ESTRAGON:
Let’s hang ourselves immediately!
EGO TROIORUM MALLEUS SUM
Godot is here, for the most part
by Josh Schlichter on Feb 16, 2011 8:43 AM PST via mobile up reply actions
That would be a trick
The absurdity of this entire situation makes me reflect on the absurdity of my own life. It’s like a play within a play within a play.
EGO TROIORUM MALLEUS SUM
by Bruins102NCAA on Feb 16, 2011 8:50 AM PST up reply actions
New DC
I think this will turn out to be a great hire for UCLA. I was not sold on Brown and Shannon had to much baggage. As was said earlier games are won on paper, but I like what I hear about the new DC. GO BRUINS!!!!
I'm satisfied with the hire, but not with the process
I accept the statement from Coach Neuheisel* about not knowing Coach Tresey, and wanting to be thorough, and knowing other guys. That’s all OK, I suppose. What is not OK was the horrible lapse of judgment that let him even talk to that trogan. That to me is a major issue, which causes me to question Coach Neuheisel’s decision-making, and that’s not something I’m comfortable with at all.
*I’m going to suspend using “CTSS” for the time being. Maybe the new coaching staff will turn the team around, which would mean that Coach Neuheisel is a genius after all. I was convinced that he was when we got him.
Agree!!!!
If CRN talked to him very early in the process and was impressed why was the job offered to a toejam first? is this guy the third or fourth choice? Basically no one else wanted the job and this is how he spins it?
I’m a Bruin and i hope it works out great for our program, but i would be much more impressed with a coach who had good defensive stats from a big school in a great conference.
welcome to westwood coach i truly hope you make a believer out of me because its been hard to believe in CRN for a while now.
"Success is never final, Failure is never fatal. It's Courage that count's" - John Wooden.
Yeah, but...
The hire seems good to me, even better than I would have settled for.
Still, I can’t help walking away, shaking my head, saying “Yeah, but Rocky Seto?”
by GoodTimesBruin on Feb 16, 2011 8:40 AM PST up reply actions
Incidentally, Fox
the “Yeah, but…” subject line was a prelude to my overall feelings about the hiring process, not disagreement with your comment. I share your consternation.
On the subject of what to call our HC now, you could cement yourself into all-time, legendary naming and prognosticator guru status if you were to label CRN with the initial of his successor, for example as CAP or CBP or….
Then again, CxP would reflect an unsuccessful run as HC. So, I hope CRN winds up being just CRN.
by GoodTimesBruin on Feb 16, 2011 8:57 AM PST up reply actions
Wow, I hadn't thought of that.
Hmm, Coach X’s Predecessor. That will take some thinking. I’m pretty sure it won’t be Coach Cheatie Petie’s Predecessor, but I’m not even sure about that any more.
Pleased with the hire, disgusted with the process and Seto offer so ...
its “crn” with lower case until he earns the upper case letters.
CXP is very clever — but I’m truly hoping crn becomes CRN by having a monster season next year.
I think we have the kids and I’m very pleased with the Tresey hire. I like his background a lot and his hunger is apparent.
sjh
The process was unfathomable
What was the deal with Seto? " That offer makes absolutely no sense.
I am left speculating crazy things like: CRN was being shrewd by offering
to someone who’d rile up the fan base he created a bargaining chip with
the AD to pony up more $. [Yes. It’s crazy, but makes as much sense as
anything related to UCLA FB]
But the whole process seems to have some hidden complexity – probably it’s
political but who knows? Dorrell’s hiring? Norm Chow (e.g. by the 3rd
season they had to know that he & CRN weren’t working out – why the extension?)
Either UCLA athletics dept is full of political intrigue or no one plans ahead.
by KnudsenRockne on Feb 17, 2011 10:39 AM PST up reply actions
My rational brain
has to agree with this. There is simply NO WAY Rick could have thought Seto was a good idea. No way.
"Every day was a good day at UCLA." -Coach John Wooden
by OswegoBruin on Feb 17, 2011 10:47 AM PST up reply actions
Right? Right!
There had to be a hidden angle there.
Rick graduated from UCLA so there’s no way he’s that clueless.
by KnudsenRockne on Feb 17, 2011 10:53 AM PST up reply actions
Honest Question
I get why he had to work in the UFL last year, but why was he not hired by anyone prior to us this year?
Not sure how
Cincinnati and USF are not anyone. They’re not big-time BCS conference schools…but you have to start somewhere. I’d much rather have someone who has proven success with what he’s had to work with in past jobs than someone getting the position based on name or connections. As gbruin said, I’m glad to have someone that had no association with Donahue.
Roses are red, violets are blue...f*** $C.
Misunderstood?
KS, I think you misunderstood his question as I have the same one. Was Tresey considered for any other DC positions with any other school that had a vacancy for the upcoming year?
by Waitingfornumber12 on Feb 16, 2011 8:07 AM PST up reply actions
Ah. Didn't read it that way at first.
It is a good question.
Roses are red, violets are blue...f*** $C.
Is it?
Maybe he was holding out for UCLA, maybe he didn’t put his hat in the ring, maybe people forgot about him. It could be a number of reasons. Let’s see how he performs before we decide whether or not he was damaged goods.
"Every day was a good day at UCLA." -Coach John Wooden
That's my guess.
He probably fell off the radar while in the UFL.
The best thing you can do for your children is to love their mother. John Wooden
I wasn't thinking it
in the sense that it was damning proof that it was an idiotic hire; just wondering if he got some interest from other programs as well. Probably no way to ever find out, but I did find it interesting. That’s all.
Roses are red, violets are blue...f*** $C.
Both Cinncinnati and USF have had significantly better programs than UCLA since they became BCS schools.
If they aren’t “big time” BCS schools, then what is UCLA? The numbers support a strong argument that the UCLA DC position is step down for Tresey, although is certainly is a step up from the UFL.
USF and Cincinnati both joined the Big East in 2005 and have played in the (albeit weak) Big East for 6 seasons.
Here are USF’s numbers during that time:
2005 6-6 & bowl loss
2006 9-4 & bowl win
2007 9-4 & bowl loss
2008 8-5 & bowl win
2009 8-5 & bowl win
2010 8-5 & bowl win
6 years, 48-29, 6 bowls, 4-2 in bowl games (bowl each year but no BCS bowls)
Here are Cinncinati’s numbers during that time:
2005 4-7 & no bowl
2006 8-5 & bowl win
2007 10-3 & bowl win
2008 11-3 & BCS bowl loss
2009 12-1 & BSC bowl loss
2010 4-8 & no bowl
6 years, 49-27, 4 bowls, 2-2 in bowls (including 2 BCS bowls)
Here are UCLA’s numbers during that time:
2005 10-2 & bowl win
2006 7-6 & bowl loss
2007 6-7 & bowl loss
2008 4-8 & no bowl
2009 7-6 & bowl win
2010 4-8 & no bowl
6 years, 38-37, 4 bowls, 2-2 in bowls (no BCS bowls).
by orlandobruin on Feb 16, 2011 10:17 AM PST up reply actions
I don't really know if I agree with this
You make a good case record-wise, but it’s still a step up in terms of conference. It’s sort of akin to Lavin taking the St. John’s job, because it’s in a bigger conference. As for UCLA not having a better BCS record, that may be true, but as far as job prestige goes, USF and Cinncinati are definite steps down.
"Every day was a good day at UCLA." -Coach John Wooden
by OswegoBruin on Feb 16, 2011 11:00 AM PST up reply actions
What was the website you got all that great data from yesterday Oswego?
I wanted to check the defensive stats from the years preceding and following Tresey’s tenure at Cincy and USF.
stats at Cincy prior to 2007
held opponents to 19.2 ppg, 3.69 yp rush, 108 passer rating, 5 yards offensively per play, forced 15 fumbles, recovered 9, 33% 3rd down success, 82% red zone success, played #2 ohio St, #19 Va Tech, #6 Louisville, #10 West Virginia, #12 rutgers, who they held to 11 points. 2-4 on the road, 1-4 against AP
and USF prior to 2009
held opponents to 20 ppg, 2.84 yards per rush, 117 passer rating, 10 ints, 4.6 yards per play, 13 forced fumbles, 7 recovered, 36% 3rd down success, 86% red zone success, played a much weaker sched, including UCF, Kansas, Tenn-Martin, NCState, #17 Cincy, #23 West Virginia, 6-0 non conference, 4-3 on the road, 0-2 against ranked teams
The website i used is cfbstats.com Really useful.
"Every day was a good day at UCLA." -Coach John Wooden
by OswegoBruin on Feb 16, 2011 12:48 PM PST up reply actions
I am talking about records, bowls, and BCS games, not prestige.
UCLA can rest on its laurels of decades ago, but the fact of the matter is that our program is at or near the level of the Mississippi States, Minnesotas, Iowa States and Wake Forests of the world right now.
by orlandobruin on Feb 16, 2011 11:38 AM PST up reply actions
I guess I was wrong
but I kind of proved my point. They are indeed BCS schools…but I didn’t think of them coming from a “power” conference, hence my thinking that they probably weren’t officially BCS schools.
Roses are red, violets are blue...f*** $C.
No worries.
When one thinks of those schools, one does not think “football power,” but, unfortunately, UCLA is so down that it has been surpasssd by schools like USF and Cincy.
Lets hope that changes in the coming years.
by orlandobruin on Feb 16, 2011 8:12 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
I'd guess
out of sight, out of mind. Not many coaches would think to look at the UFL. There are some young and inexperienced coaches in that league but they also have Jim Fassel and Deniss Green on the sidelines.
Dennis Green!
He would have been a great hire solely for his ability to contribute to the humor on this site. (No, I’d never seriously consider him. Then again, he is who we think he is!)
Roses are red, violets are blue...f*** $C.
I am tired of losing
I don’t care if we got a big name, little name, blue name, purple name. Just win football games that is all I care about.
+1
Just glad its not from across town
by Trojanswearskirts on Feb 16, 2011 8:22 AM PST via mobile up reply actions
+1 -1
Agreed that winning is what we need the most.
I think getting a hire that might stay for a few years is also a plus (of course that relates to winning as well). A big name candidate that would have stayed for a year or 2 means more turmoil later.
by Bruin Dad and Grad on Feb 16, 2011 9:55 AM PST up reply actions
Brass Tacks...
Here’s why he’s a great hire…
Brian Kelly wanted him for his DC. That speaks volumes.
Let's look at the bright side.
After all the whole process has sucked in every way imaginable, but sometimes good things happen in mysterious ways.
So far I like everything I’ve read about this guy. Hard worker, over achiever, dues-payer, blue collar, all scream out from his resume. Son of a steel worker. Steel worker himself. Graduate of Ohio State. Masters of Education. Successful high school coach. Successful DC at all levels of college including the MAC and Big East. Worked for outstanding coaches. Kelly and Leavitt. Known as intense, high energy but great guy. Fired for no fault of his own.
His defenses were excellent at every level. I could go on.
Yes, it’s all on paper so to speak, but I prefer a guy like this, who’s always done it on his own merit out of the limelight than some spoiled big name who’s always had the top players and/or connections. I seem to remember an unknown coach from the deep South, some place called Vanderbilt, who had quite an impact at UCLA once he made it to the big time.
Yes, it’s a stretch, but I think Coach Tresey must feel like he’s in pig heaven when he sees the level of talent he’s going to coach here at UCLA. Great for him and our players and us I hope.
I believe CRN has upgraded both Coordinators dramatically. He and Chow butted heads IMO to the detriment of the team and Bullough, as hard as I’m sure he tried, had limited experience and had never been a DC before. No question it’s CRN’s team now. For his sake and ours, let’s hope for the best.
Obviously, the field is where it counts.
I'm feeling much better now.
The hiring of Joe Tresey has taken my personal roller coaster to as high a peak as the Seto news brought me down. This guy is clearly the Anti Seto. He has experience. He has a proven track record. He seems aggressive. Awesome. Great Hire.
BUT! and there is always a but . . . .
1) who is to say Rick the evil genius won’t put the handcuffs on him? There was some debate here and other places why Chow was calling such conservative games. Certainly Rick has to take some of the blame because he either asked for a conservative style, or did not demand an aggressive style of play. So, as good as Tresey looks on paper, there is still a chance Rick can fuck this all up.
2) The Seto hire happened. No matter how Rick tries to spin this; it happened. Rick and DG will take a huge pass on this one because they managed to hire a good guy. But, we will probably never get a good explanation WHY it happened in the first place.
Now back to the positive. This is a good hire, and we actually have something to look forward to next year. My caveat is merely an attempt on my part to remain level headed. Rick still has a long way to go to pull his ass out of the fire. (in my book)
The best thing you can do for your children is to love their mother. John Wooden
Unforgettable...
By Analogy…It’s like I am so glad to be over my bout with Food Poisoning…but that doesnt negate the fact that I got Food Poisoning in the first place…something you never forget.
Wow…did I just say Seto = Food Poisoning….!?!
by GemCityBruin on Feb 16, 2011 10:52 AM PST up reply actions
Seto = football poisoning
In any case, I still have my doubts that Chow had full control of the offense. That said, I do believe Chuck Bullough had full control of the defense. I think Rick knows he is not a defensive mind, and lets them run, for better or worse (the latter, last year). I don’t think he’d handcuff Tresey.
"Every day was a good day at UCLA." -Coach John Wooden
by OswegoBruin on Feb 16, 2011 11:02 AM PST up reply actions
Perceptive Post Mexi!
Having the best DC in the world won’t be worth a damm if CRN doesn’t delegate.
I think you are spot on with respect to his relationship with Chow. It could very be that the dysfunctionality with this program is CRN’s personality and his inability to not allow his staff to perform to the level of theIr ability. A coach, especially a former QB, make-up is one that has to be “in control” of most everything. As things/results get worse, the tendency is to want to assume more control rather than be open to or be receptive to new approaches. Nor to loosen the strings and grant more authority/decsion making to one’s staff. Here’s to hoping CRN has enough trust in his new staff to delegate and allow them to do what they do best.
Not sure I agree.
I believe CRN has no clue on how to run a defense, hence Bullough had far too much control and he hung himself with it. Our problem came with the Chow and CRN dynamic. Both of them are far too similar in styles and in the end cancelled each other out in overall efectiveness. In this area, CRN would have been better off with more control, his frustration was apparent every offensive series last year.
Now CRN is the QB coach, which makes sense thats his area, with the new OC handling other positions along with an offense I’m sure both can fully agree with. A marriage that just makes far more sense than what we’ve seen these last few years.
Now we still have a ton of issues:
1) Who will win the qb position.
2) Can our OLine pass block? Seriously, can we drop back and pass w/o our qb getting mauled in every passing situation.
3) Can our receivers and RBs actually hold onto the football and show some real developement?
4) Will the new DC get our defense into game shape by the fall? Players still need to learn the system, hope this guy can teach quickly.
5) Can we play in a non toilet bowl that people actually want to watch and get the football passion bucket full again?
Pass the popcorn and lets see how this all unfods.
+1 fundamentals
Although Bullough’s schemes were awful, the #1 thing that killed our D was
poor execution. We lacked in the fundamentals.
JT looks like he drills fundamentals into his players so that alone should really
boost our D.
by KnudsenRockne on Feb 17, 2011 10:47 AM PST up reply actions
Looks Like A Solid Get As Well
Will be anxious to see what adjustments he makes this coming summer/early fall to make our “D” that much more aggressive.
Los Angeles Rams and the UCLA Bruins!!!!!
by Minnesota Bruinfan on Feb 16, 2011 10:46 AM PST reply actions
I'm good with this...
Seems like a good fit and a competent guy. Didn’t totally love the process, but if we put a better product on the field in the upcoming season, all will be forgiven and forgotten.
Now that the big shoe has dropped.
I’m waiting for the second shoe to drop:
What’s the word with XSF? Is he coming back to school?
The best thing you can do for your children is to love their mother. John Wooden
He is slated
to return next year. According to reports, he’s coming back to us and not transferring.
"Every day was a good day at UCLA." -Coach John Wooden
Hasn't he missed the last two seasons though?
I thought Mormon missions were 2 year affairs.
The best thing you can do for your children is to love their mother. John Wooden
He finished high school in 09
and played his freshman season during our 7-6 year, so he only missed the most recent 4-8 year so far. I know it feels like a loooong time ago though.
Unfortunately,
two seasons worth of losses does not count as two seasons.
Need to petition Joseph Smith
that might be tough though. Maybe we can ask Steve Young. He’ll understand the importance of a good offensive lineman.
greg in denver, UCLA guy for life - BruinsNation.com
100th Comment!!!
Oh yeaaahhh who is the man?
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