Saturday Open Thread: Tracking Our Next Coach

If we dont get Petersen

I think Leach wouldn't be so bad. With his O and DeWalkers D i think we would be a good team. Not only that we might not lose recruits.

by uclaov1 on Nov 17, 2007 10:49 AM PST reply actions

Leach is not my second or third choice. And I rather not have DeWayne Walker around. We need someone who can stop the spread O. Walker has failed repeatedly. Plus I want a clean break from the Doofus regime.

by Nestor on Nov 17, 2007 11:18 AM PST up reply actions

Re Leach

I know that a lot of posters here think his O is too gimmicky and he hasn't emphasized D enough, but right now TT is hammering the Sooners 34-10.

Admittedly, OU lost its starting QB, but their O is no. 2 in the NCAA for scoring. The D has really stepped up for TT. They did a piss-poor job last week against Texas and over the past few weeks previously, but they are shutting the Sooners down.

Leach is intriguing to me. I kow his record against the top tier in the Big 12 is very unimpressive in his 8 years at Tech, but they have had 8 straight winning seasons and have been bowling each year IIRC. To me, he has done a great job at a school which regularly loses recruiting wars to UT, OU, A & M and maybe even Nebraska and Colorado. I think what he has done is akin to the job done by Price at WSU-Tech is a consistent winner and a danger at all times to pull the upset, but due to the limited appeal of Lubbock and the competition of the big boys, TT can't really take another step up to the next level and compete regularly for the conference title.

Again, I don't know if Leach is the answer, but however gimmicky his offense, it would be something to see if it could produce the same results against top-tier defenses if it were being run by top-tier talent. If he brought in a talented defensive coordinator, he maight be the guy, with proven credentials as a head coach. I assume that he would have little trouble recruiting to UCLA given the style of offense, although maybe RB would not be too eager to come.

by ucladj89 on Nov 17, 2007 8:00 PM PST up reply actions

Peterson Exactly Who We Need

I think we (mainly DG and UCLA, but of course the fans as well) need to put the full-on press to get this guy after the season is over.

He is the complete antithesis of Dorrell...Peterson overachieves with limited resources at Boise St. while Dorrell underachieves with a marquee program at UCLA.

When I think of Peterson, I think of grittiness and intelligence and class and winning.

HE'S A WINNER!!!!!!!!!!! Imagine what he can do with UCLA given all the seemingly big advantages we have.

And he's also got a lot of integrity. He knows how to build a program the rigth way.

For pete's sake DG, hire this guy already before I have a damn stroke! Lol.

by JPof03 on Nov 17, 2007 12:53 PM PST reply actions

MAJOR POTENTIAL CRISIS REGARDING COACH DORRELL

It is being reported in the Press Telegram by Bob Keiser that the AD may not have a say whether Dorrell is retained. It may be in the hands of "higher ups". If so, the scenario we all presume will take place on Monday, December 3 is in jeopardy. Remember, Keiser is not DOhn. He is a reputable writer and not a hack like Dohn, looking to retain access to the program. If so, this is an ALARMING development. Does this mean that excellence is no longer a virtue at UCLA, just political correctness. I only hope, if this is true, that Guerrero resigns and along with him, Bruin football fans boycott the program. I for one on December 4, if true, will send my torn alumni card to the Chancellor. This needs to be dealt with now....

by Gary72 on Nov 17, 2007 1:15 PM PST reply actions

Settle down

Bob Keisser is not the most connected reporter in town. Relax and take a deep breath.

by Nestor on Nov 17, 2007 2:19 PM PST up reply actions

Also

Keisser is not exactly a "reporter." He is a columnist who also raised the race card in a really idiotic article few weeks ago.

by Nestor on Nov 17, 2007 2:29 PM PST up reply actions

Not good

I had a feeling something like this might happen. If this is true and we get one more win to become bowl eligible, it's over. The administration won't do a damn thing.

i'm sorry, but it'll be a racial issue as well. The image of UCLA won't take a hit, from the higher ups, with dismissing a minority head coach with a winning record.

by TheStick on Nov 17, 2007 1:24 PM PST reply actions

"Winning" record?

What part of Toast's record suggests any kind of winning? We're 5-5. We will be lucky to split the next two games, though I think we'll beat Oregon now. So we'll be 6-6, and we know how well Toast does in bowl games. 6-7, at best, 5-7 very likely. That's not a winning record, so who gives a flying f#ck what color Karl Dorrell's skin is? If he's such a winner, why won't any other school come after him? Freaking loser. Get rid of his sorry ass.

by tasser10 on Nov 17, 2007 1:29 PM PST up reply actions

You are missing the point, tasser

While we all agree with your sentiments, the point is Dorrell's record may be irrelevant as will UCLA football, if the implication is he will be retained because of political correctness...

by Gary72 on Nov 17, 2007 1:35 PM PST reply actions

If I were black I would be offended by their logic

Lower standards based on race is racist too. So frustrating. But it also shows how far this country needs to go with respect to racial equality.

by isodore on Nov 17, 2007 3:20 PM PST up reply actions

I should say personally offended,

I'm already offended by it.

by isodore on Nov 17, 2007 3:21 PM PST up reply actions

Dont worry too much right now

It is obvious lot of these stories are last ditch efforts by the shameless Dorrelistas and the these loser assistant coaches to save their jobs.

That is why we are hearing these asinine recruiting, injury excuses and we are hearing these stories about PC. They mean nothing really.

I believe UCLA officials know what will it mean it terms of relations with alumni, fundraising, if they retain the Doofus.

I have heard from very dependable source that fundraisin for Pauley is at risk, if the Doofus is retained. And that message has gone out directly to DG and others above.

We will do everything we can to keep up the pressure.

And if somehow the unthinkable happens and the Doofus is retained, we are going to come at UCLA administration with 100 times more intensity we have come to date.

The Doofus needs to be gone at the end of this season. No matter how desperate these shameless losers get in these last two weeks, we are only going to get stronger.

GO BRUINS.

by Nestor on Nov 17, 2007 3:28 PM PST up reply actions

I don't think Hauck should be a candidate

Cops: Collegetown

This week's law enforcement roundup takes us to Missoula, Mont., home of the 10-0 Montana Grizzlies. Heading into their rivalry game with Montana State, it seems that only the law can stop this team. In a season that has already seen Grizzlies players accused of assault by beer bottle, pointing a gun at a woman's head and, oh yeah, murder, three more football players are facing burglary and kidnapping charges after a house break-in last week. The Grizzlies may not play in the Bowl subdivision, but murder and kidnapping are big time. No I-A program can boast a rap sheet like that this season. Not even Texas or Florida.
Pick: Montana by 20 to life

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/sioncampus/11/15/weekend.primer/

"when you've seen how big the world is, how can you make due with this?"

by silverlakebruin on Nov 17, 2007 3:59 PM PST reply actions

Fair is fair

If the Dorrelistas are pointing to an Oregon loss, having absolutely nothing to do with how our team has performed to date, as something that bolsters their "argument", then it's only fair to point out that our "signature win" of the season, versus RANKED CAL (OMG) isn't looking so good anymore is it? Washington is beating them much more convincingly than we did, when we needed a great individual effort by ATV just to squeak by. Oh and by the way, UW is without their starting QB.

by Tydides on Nov 17, 2007 4:03 PM PST reply actions

Yeap

In other words we don't have a single "signature" win in KD's "Show me" season. And the last two games will not count considering no championship will be on the line. So after 5 years the Doofus will have nothing to show for except bunch of predictale excuses.

by Nestor on Nov 17, 2007 7:20 PM PST up reply actions

Gotta disagree, N.

How can you say his excuses are predictable since most of his excuses are combinations of cliches and gibberish? I will concede that they might be predictable, but we can only know June Cleaver shows up and announces that she speaks gibberish.

by Fox 71 on Nov 17, 2007 7:42 PM PST up reply actions

With ND winning again today

might I suggest a new bracelet for Karl?

"UCLA Football: As good as Duke."

Oy.

by CAJason80 on Nov 17, 2007 4:31 PM PST reply actions

Just Say No To Chris Petersen

He looks shiny and pretty and new. He made some cute calls that worked out in the Fiesta Bowl. He took what was built before him and did a good job with it.

That having been said, just look at the resume of his two predecessors. Do we really want done to us what Dirk Koetter did to ASU and Dan Hawkins has done to Colorado?

Boise State is a great story. There's certainly no guarantee that, just because the last two Boise coaches have flopped ugly, Petersen will too. On the other hand, the guy has two years as HC under his belt. That's it.

Say yes to Skippy. Say no to anyone with a former address in Boise.

by ucla84 on Nov 17, 2007 4:35 PM PST reply actions

What's wrong with what Hawkins has done?

He's 5-6 this season with a chance to go to a bowl game if they beat Nebraska Friday. He had a terrible year last season, but he took over a mediocre that lost a lot of players and a few more because of the mess Barnett had there. Hawkins also took over a program under probation, down a few scholarships and under tight overview from the university because of actions during Barnett's tenure. I think Hawkins is doing a pretty damn good job building the program considering the circumstances.

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Nov 17, 2007 4:50 PM PST up reply actions

Hawkins

So much of what goes into the analysis of any coach's record is contextual.

With the recent tradition of Colorado football, and with the talent pool the Buffs can draw from, seven or eight wins over two seasons is brutal, period, end of story. CU had 15 wins in Barnett's last two seasons. Three of their five wins this year - two-win Colorado State, Miami of Ohio and Baylor - have been against the Little Sisters of the Poor. 47-20 to K State is, well, Utahlike.

Hawkins is a failure. That's not to say Petersen will be, but between Hawkins and Koetter, the record sure isn't appetizing.

Fair point about Skippy's work with other people's talent. However, he's such a love fest kinda guy, and the talent pool in L.A. is so deep, that I'll take my chances with him. (Unless, of course, Mr. Spurrier really wants to come here, but gimme a break.)

As to what he's done in B-more, there's this one QB named Derek Anderson he worked up - not that the Ravens blew it when they dumped him or anything. I wonder what he'd have done with SPJ.

by ucla84 on Nov 18, 2007 1:49 PM PST up reply actions

Two years?

That's it? Can we make a fair evaluation on just two years? Can he recruit? Can he install his own system with his own selection of talent? Can he develop talent? Maybe I'm being too conservative and not willing to take anymore chances. 84, I tend to agree with you about Boise St.

by lunabruin on Nov 17, 2007 4:51 PM PST up reply actions

Neuheisel argument

The argument you make against Peterson is one you could certainly make against Rick. At both CU and UW, he did well with his predecessors' players but didn't distinguish himself with his own. And while his NCAA problems weren't massive, they were problems (how can you expect the guy to be able to follow rules when he got his law degree at USC).

He does have more coaching experience than Peterson, but that experience hasn't shown much to me other than he's good with other guys' players and not so good with his own. And I haven't seen anything from his time as the Ravens' QB coach and offensive coordinator that distinguishes him as a good candidate. Maybe he's learned a number of lessons since his time at UW, but I think he carries as many question marks (or more) as any other potential candidate.

by McNown to Farmer on Nov 18, 2007 8:59 AM PST up reply actions

Thanksgiving

Coach Dorrell is insisting the team practice on Thanksgiving. As a Bruin Mom, I'm very unhappy about this. Is he making the families suffer just to save his own hide?

Alumnus/Parent '08/ Chancellor's Associate

by BruinMum on Nov 17, 2007 5:29 PM PST reply actions

Damn

for the betterment of the team I was hoping there would be less practices. I'm under the impression they get worse with each practice uner Doofus

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Nov 17, 2007 5:41 PM PST up reply actions

wow

Are you one of our player's parent Mum?

by Nestor on Nov 17, 2007 7:15 PM PST up reply actions

I guess you would call me an in-law

My daughter's boyfriend is part of the team. He and his family were supposed to be with us that day. Instead, his family has to travel to L.A. to have some sort of a Thanksgiving with him after practice.

Thanks for the welcome :) I appreciate this board, the passion and knowledge.

As for the "nut bowl," we were there, too. We spent the week in San Francisco (great Christmas - it really was!), paid a small fortune for club seats, only to be seated by crude Florida State fans whose team destroyed us.

Alumnus/Parent '08/ Chancellor's Associate

by BruinMum on Nov 17, 2007 9:46 PM PST up reply actions

I sympathize with Nut Bowl attendees

It just sounds like a horrible time all around. As bad as those FSU fans were, I'm sure it paled in comparison to KD's no-show in that game.

On occasion, usually after a Bruin win, we get a breathless whiner of a father of a walk-on on the team who just doesn't realize that it is for the sake of the student-athletes on the field that we want a new coach. So that they can have the best experience and the most opportunities possible while they wear the UCLA uniform. I was afraid that his myopic holier than thou rants represented Bruin parents as a whole. Thanks for restoring the faith.

by Tydides on Nov 17, 2007 9:59 PM PST up reply actions

Inquiring minds..

..yep, we'd like to know!

In any event, welcome to the fray, we value your opinion, and we wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Coach!

by whp68 on Nov 17, 2007 7:44 PM PST up reply actions

we practiced...

on Christmas last year preparing for the nutbowl and since my family is in socal, i spent Christmas bumming around the team hotel =/

by redsand514 on Nov 17, 2007 8:20 PM PST up reply actions

redsand514

you probably already said this awhile ago, but were you on the team last year?

by hbruin84 on Nov 18, 2007 8:19 AM PST up reply actions

i worked...

with the football team last, sorry about being vague =/

by redsand514 on Nov 18, 2007 1:59 PM PST up reply actions

Texas Tech Is Playing D Tonight

I'm not a big Leach fan because they give up too many points.

But, fair is fair. They are playing D tonight.

sjh

by Class of 66 on Nov 17, 2007 7:51 PM PST reply actions

their D is stepping up

roughly equal TOP, holding Oklahoma to 157 total yards so far.

by bruinhoo on Nov 17, 2007 8:02 PM PST up reply actions

Mike Leach update

Texas Tech is taking Oklahoma to the woodshed, leading 34-10 early in the 3rd quarter.

by bruinhoo on Nov 17, 2007 7:52 PM PST reply actions

Leach's team is incredibly entertaining

and you can tell there is something about him that is creative and innovative and unafraid to challenge conventional thinking.

He is the opposite of KD.

"when you've seen how big the world is, how can you make due with this?"

by silverlakebruin on Nov 17, 2007 8:20 PM PST reply actions

New LA Times lackey calling for Karl to stay:

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-streeter18nov18,0,7936818.column?coll=la-home-center

by bruinhoo on Nov 17, 2007 8:29 PM PST reply actions

Ahh - the "Race Card"

In addition to being intentionally ignorant of the facts, this guy has finally and unquestionably played the race card.

by Fox 71 on Nov 17, 2007 9:31 PM PST up reply actions

Insulting

I find Kurt Streeter to be incredibly insulting and ignorant. If Dorrell really said that he's had to "do more to accomplish what I've accomplished," well, all I have to say is welcome to real life. Those of us who've climbed the corporate ladder have had to do the same thing. I'm a white female. I'm not crying in my chardonnay saying I lost a deal due to being female. I've used my brain and energy to prove that I could accomplish any goal I set my sights on. Apparently, Dorrell and Streeter can't comprehend these values and pull the race card whenever it's convenient. How incredibly insulting. KD needs to go.

Alumnus/Parent '08/ Chancellor's Associate

by BruinMum on Nov 17, 2007 10:13 PM PST up reply actions

Disgusting

What rock do these roaches crawl out from under?

In summary, UCLA, you should be happy with mediocrity.

Whatever.

by Barnes2JJ on Nov 17, 2007 9:45 PM PST up reply actions

You can see where the attitude comes from

After all, clearly his parents were satisfied with an inferior product.

by Tydides on Nov 17, 2007 9:51 PM PST up reply actions

Lol

Really, though, this is repulsive stuff.

All of the roaches are coming out of the woodwork.

Note that no one says he is a great coach. It's all about how nice he is, what a great guy he is, how he has "cleaned" up the program (mostly), blah blah blah.

Hey, my doctor might be a great guy and hire wonderful people for his staff, but if he only saves his patients about half the time, I want a new frickin' doctor!

by Barnes2JJ on Nov 17, 2007 10:03 PM PST up reply actions

Texas Tech vs Navy

Stats from the NCAA...

Stats can sometimes be misleading, but this shows pretty clearly that if Texas Tech's defense is a problem for Mike Leach, Navy's defense should be a problem for Paul Johnson.

by SuperBruinMan on Nov 17, 2007 8:38 PM PST reply actions

Come on, SuperBruinMan

Don't go throwing those pesky things which we lawyers call "facts" into the mix. It's not fair.

by Fox 71 on Nov 17, 2007 8:45 PM PST up reply actions

they may be facts

but they say nothing about the recruiting situation at the various schools. The only recruiting restriction you have at tech is NCAA minimums and convincing a kid to come. At Navy, its a whole other ball game. You have to get someone that can get into Annapolis, and then you have to get someone who wants to be a commssioned naval officer afterwords.

I'm not sure its an apples to apples comparison.

"when you've seen how big the world is, how can you make due with this?"

by silverlakebruin on Nov 17, 2007 8:53 PM PST up reply actions

True

Navy's players are mostly 1 and 2 stars; Texas Tech's players are mostly 3 stars.

by SuperBruinMan on Nov 17, 2007 9:03 PM PST up reply actions

Now you're both doing it

Facts again.

by Fox 71 on Nov 17, 2007 9:34 PM PST up reply actions

Texas Tech beat Oklahoma 34-27

Tech controlled the ball tonight, with a ~33 to 27 minute advantage in time of possession.

by bruinhoo on Nov 17, 2007 9:29 PM PST reply actions

I told you so...

Earlier in this thread Nestor suggested, I take a deep breath when it came to the Keiser article. Now we have the Streeter article where any of us who oppose the continuation of mediocrity are racists. That's it! I took a deep breath and when I came up for air, I see I am now a racist because I have a problem with someone winning almost 6 games a year (out of 11 or 12). Except for a major league baseball player, I am unclear where that level of success is tolerated. Of course, in the Dorrelian world that is not only acceptable, but racist to challenge. Here is my take...If one's race is the protector why would anyone hire a minority. This would mean that if they were unsuccessful there would be no recourse. Of course, if one hires a non-minority, than competence is the sole measure. I believe anyone who is a minority would find this insulting and quite counterproductive.

by Gary72 on Nov 17, 2007 11:05 PM PST reply actions

Unrelated to the current discussion

In basketball tonight, Arizona lost at home to Virginia, 75-72!

by bruinhoo on Nov 17, 2007 11:08 PM PST reply actions

The Palouse sure is a tough place for a road game

As Oregon St. found out tonight, only beating WSU by a score of 52-17. The Beaver defense, which held UCLA to a whole 40 points, forced 8 WSU turnovers, while OSU's backup quarterback, making his 2nd career start, was able to overcome the stifling WSU defense that held UCLA to 7 points. Moevao efficiently ran the Beaver offense, accounting for a TD both passing and running, while not turning the ball over once.

by bruinhoo on Nov 17, 2007 11:22 PM PST reply actions

Are you a racist?

By pointing out the OSU-WSU score, according to Mr. Streeter of the L.A. Times, you earn the right to be called a racist. Isn't the world of Dorrelian logic disgusting?

by Gary72 on Nov 17, 2007 11:31 PM PST reply actions

Record comparison

Since it is clear that the Arkansas, Texas A and M, Nebraska coaches are being fired, I am curious what are their records in comparison to Dorrell's?

by Gary72 on Nov 17, 2007 11:36 PM PST reply actions

Nutt - Arkansas

went 10-4 last season (all losses to top-10 teams), winning the SEC West. This season, he is 7-4.

Callahan is 5-6 this season, 9-5 last season (Big XII north champion, 4 of 5 losses to top-10 teams), 8-4 in 2005.

by bruinhoo on Nov 17, 2007 11:46 PM PST up reply actions

3 out of 4 losses

for Arkansas has been to ranked teams.

Nutt isn't getting blown out by the Utahs, Wazzus and Notre Dames of the world.

"If I don't do my job, I will get fired" -Karl Dorrell

by godblesstyus95 on Nov 18, 2007 7:57 AM PST up reply actions

thank you

Thanks...

by Gary72 on Nov 18, 2007 12:00 AM PST reply actions

Dorrell

Wow, it's refreshing (and kind of sad in terms of the state of UCLA football) to see someone who's an "in-law" of a football player wanting Dorrell gone too. I'm really disappointed to see the local media all seemingly lobbying for Dorrell to return (but hey, it doesn't mean much - as a Chicago pro sports fan, I remember many in the Chicago media lobbying for Dick Jauron and Dusty Baker to return in what ended up being their final years coaching in Chicago).

by Raisin on Nov 18, 2007 2:08 AM PST reply actions