Guerrero Interviewed Oregon's Mike Bellotti!!

by BruinCore on Dec 20, 2007 5:51 PM PST Comment 92 comments

Thanks to BruinCore and ryebreadraz for staying on top of the latest turn in the crazy rumor mill. Remember, UCLA is a crappy job, and there's no way a coach like Bellotti would be interested. We should just settle for Walker and be done with it. -T

This just came out moments ago. By the time I post this someone else might already have. Brian Dohn reports that UCLA admins have interviewed Mike Bellotti up in Oregon for the HC job. Now I would definitely support Bellotti for head coach. He could bring in the NW recruits + the Nike contacts + UCLA and LA = great idea DG:

UCLA's coaching search has taken them to the Northtwest, where several UCLA administrators met with Oregon coach Mike Bellotti, sources said.

Bellotti is 105-50 since taking over at Oregon in 1995, and is considered one of the top offensive coaches in the West. Bellotti balked earlier in UCLA's interviewing process when intermediaries juggled.

He had the Ducks in position for a shot at the national championship this season until quarterback Dennis Dixon tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his knee. The Ducks, who play South Florida in the Sun Bowl later this month, lost their last three games after Dixon was hurt.
Oregon finished 8-4, including a 16-0 loss to UCLA at the Rose Bowl on Nov. 24.

Since winning the Fiesta Bowl in 2001, the Ducks have lost four straight bowl games.

Bellotti, who turned 57 on Friday, was also the head coach at Chico State for five seasons and is 126-77-2 all-time. He makes $1,055,000 annually, and has a $350,000 buyout.

The question is why would Bellotti leave Oregon for Los Angeles? My first thought ... Is this real? Does he really want to coach at UCLA?

Analysis by rye:

Bellotti, 56, played WR at UC Davis before turning to coaching. He was the offensive coordinator at Cal-State Hayward and Weber State before getting his first head coaching job at Chico State in 1984. He was there for 5 seasons the went to Oregon where he became the offensive coordinator, a post he held until he was named head coach in 1995. He has one outright Pac 10 title to his credit (2001) when his team should have gone to the national title game and one co-conference championship (2000). Bellotti is the only coach in Oregon history to have 3 10 win seasons (200, 2001, 2005) and he was on pace to add a fourth 10 win season and likely #1 ranking had Dennis Dixon not been injured.

Interestingly enough, this isn't the first time UCLA made a push at Bellotti.

Bellotti balked earlier in UCLA's interviewing process when intermediaries juggled.

I think Bellotti has to be considered a first tier candidate...your thoughts?

UPDATE - N: I refuse to get my hopes up. But from the Oregonian:

Nobody at Oregon denied the interest is mutual.

Bellotti, who was at practice as the Ducks prepared to play against South Florida in the Sun Bowl issued a statement, saying only: "I'm focusing on this team to play in this bowl game."

UO athletic director Pat Kilkenny refused to say whether UCLA officials asked for permission to contact the Ducks' coach.

"I can neither can confirm nor deny," Kilkenny said. And from the Register-Guard: Oregon coach Mike Bellotti confirmed through a UO spokesman tonight that he has been contacted by UCLA officials about the Bruins’ open head coaching position.

"He’s acknowledging that they have spoken with him," UO director of media services Dave Williford said.

The Bruins parted ways with coach Karl Dorrell on Dec. 3 after Dorrell went 35-27 in five seasons. Defensive coordinator DeWayne Walker was named interim head coach for UCLA’s Las Vegas Bowl appearance.

After practice today, I asked Bellotti about the UCLA job and he said, "I’m just working on what we’re doing here." Again I am not going to get my hopes up because I am still bitter from losing out over an (untainted) Neuhisel and Gary Barnett back in 1995. I am not going to get excited. But you know the drill, we blog you discuss!

UPDATE II -N:Per Dohn decision to come within next 72 hours

UPDATE III - N: Even crazier news per Tracy Pierson of BRO via Washington Husky Sports Blog: Bellotti to UCLA?

According to Tracy Pierson at Scout.com it is almost a done deal.

"Some sources have indicated that the deal is actually in the stages of being finalized." Oh My! Okay, we need to calm down. I need to calm down. This is not going to happen. I am going to get disappointed again. So I am not going to hold out hope until I see this actually happening.

GO BRUINS.

UPDATE IV - M: Per the LAT, DG actually HAS interviewed Bellotti: Oregon Coach Mike Bellotti is being wooed by UCLA officials about the Bruins' head coach job, sources familiar with the search said. Bellotti has been interviewed by UCLA Athletic Director Dan Guerrero, who has actively pursued the Ducks' coach throughout the process, sources said. Bellotti has listened to UCLA's overtures, according to one source. Baltimore Ravens' offensive coordinator Rick Neuheisel and Temple Coach Al Golden have been interviewed by UCLA Chancellor Gene Block, but Bellotti would likely become an instant front-runner. He has a 105-52 record in 13 seasons at Oregon and had the Ducks in position to reach the national title game before quarterback Dennis Dixon suffered a season-ending knee injury. Looks like Bellotti was at the top of DG's super-secret "short list" all along.

Also, while it's still coming from (ugh) unnamed "sources", we may at least be trying to get into a bidding war:

Bellotti makes $1,055,000 per season and there is a $350,000 buyout in his contract. UCLA officials are in position to offer a new coach between $1-million and $2-million annually, a source familiar with the university said. Dorrell made $850,000 plus incentives. Brace yourselves, folks -- it's either going to be a painfully hard fall, or an unbelievably high leap.

-- M

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of BruinsNation's (BN) editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of BN's editors.

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If he brings his OC Chip Kelly

then I think this would be a home-run type hire. UCLA transitioning to the spread offense and starting Chris Forcier right away next year would be awesome. Forcier would be a great fit in a spread offense.

We'll see where this one goes. Finally a name that shakes things up a bit.

by ucla21 on Dec 20, 2007 5:57 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

A different offense

so long as he has the players. Leaf looks awful in his offense. But then, that offense is designed for Dixon. I would love to see Dixon's offense come to LA ... or a version of it.

editor, DumpDorrell.com ... formerly posted as DumpDorrell

by BruinCore on Dec 20, 2007 5:59 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm on the fence with this one

There's no doubt Bellotti is lightyears better than the rest of the candidates we've heard lately. He has 15+ years of HC experience, he's won the conference before, he's taken his teams to big bowl games and has won them, and he probably would've taken his team to the NC this year if it wasn't for Dixon's injury.

On the other hand, Bellotti only boasts a .614% win percentage. If you look at his record, he has a bag of very mixed results. Kind of reminds me of Donahue. However, I think overall, especially given what we have seen from his team this year, I would welcome Bellotti to Westwood.

Whether it'll happen, who knows. I think Bellotti likes the position he has. He's got plenty of funding for his program, lax academic standards at the university, and lives in an area with a lower cost of living.

by OutOThsWrld on Dec 20, 2007 6:09 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

He's at Oregon

How quickly we forget what Oregon was a decade ago.

He's not recruiting for a Los Angeles school, and he still pulls good kids. The kids that don't get rides to Southern Cal or UCLA. And he still wins. More than we do.

How in the world could somebody not want Mike Bellotti? Good Lord.

by Sweetbreads Bailey on Dec 20, 2007 6:13 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I agree with you

I just wanted to give a more complete perspective on Bellotti. I think from the year 2000 and on he has show much more consistency, proving that he's a winner now.

by OutOThsWrld on Dec 20, 2007 6:18 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Bellotti would pass my test

-He has significant experience
-He's knocked on the door of a national championship, twice
-He's innovative offensively and would bring much excitement to the Rose Bowl every Saturday
-He's willing to adapt--bringing in Chip Kelly to teach the spread in 2005 to Kellen Clemens (by the way, Clemens shows that the spread can work with more of a dropback passer; Leaf just sucked in any system)
-He's well-respected
-His name has some sizzle to it--hiring him says UCLA wants to play with the big boys
-He's coached a ton of QBs who went on to the NFL, including top 3 picks Akili Smith and Joey Harrington. (Also think of AJ Feeley and Kellen Clemens.)

I can imagine him getting much better players to stay in or go to Westwood than he could get at Oregon.

The more I think about it, the more I like the sound of it. Think of how much we liked the sound of Mike Leach; now recall that Leach has never had a 10-win season. Bellotti has done that 3 times, won 2 Pac-10 titles and would have had a 3rd had Dixon not ripped up his knee. In one of those 10-win seasons (2005), he did it despite lost his starting QB for nearly 1/2 the season. He should have been to 1 BCS title game in 2001 and was on his way to a 2nd this year before the would-be Heisman winner was lost for the season. We talk about competing for Pac-10 titles, beating USC and occasionally knocking on the BCS door, and Bellotti has done all of that at a school that didn't have much of a history before he started there. At UCLA, wouldn't he be primed to take off?

by BruinsRule on Dec 20, 2007 6:32 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

It was Gary Crowton not Chip Kelly

But that's just one more good OC hire...

by SuperBruinMan on Dec 20, 2007 8:01 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Is It His Offense?

My question is....

Is Belloti an offensive guru, or has he just had very good coordinators (Tedford, Kelly) over the years?

I don't know enough about him to answer that. I don't want a coach always at the mercy of the quality of his coordinators.

Any thoughts....?

by Quickhands on Dec 20, 2007 6:36 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

I'd have no problem

if a lot of his success is due to his coordinators. IMO, the most important thing a coach does is hire his staff so if he keeps hitting homeruns with his OC's, I have no problem with it.

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Dec 20, 2007 6:39 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Wow

This is the first "wow" candidate that has been interviewed at least according to public reports.

Anyone who wouldn't take Bellotti in a heartbeat is HIGH.

by paulucla on Dec 20, 2007 6:39 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Uhm

Holy shit. I am not getting my hopes up!!!

by Nestor on Dec 20, 2007 6:39 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

The Wisdom

"The longer the search goes on..."

Whether or not he's interested, the names that have been coming out recently are a huge upgrade over the very beginning of this process when it was Chow, Walker, CHOKER, all the time.

by Tydides on Dec 20, 2007 6:42 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

but but but

I thought UCLA was not an attractive gig?

by Nestor on Dec 20, 2007 6:44 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

That's what my sources tell me

A certain beat writer and three wealthy and influential alumni say that Walker is the next Tressel/Meyer/Stoops. We should be doing all we can to keep him. UW and WSU don't know what they're missing.

by Tydides on Dec 20, 2007 6:48 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Just don't allow him to bring Alliotti!

Nicky A's amazingly porous defense cost us a shot at the national championship in 1998 lest we forget . .. this would be the one time to go with BEL-KER

by charnaw on Dec 20, 2007 6:44 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Is Dohn the only source?

If true let's hope this doesn't get botched up again. Oregon plays New Year's Eve - kind of early to start publicizing offers.

by East Coast Bruin on Dec 20, 2007 6:50 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

BRO reports it too

Although I don't know if they're quoting Doh!n as well.

by Tydides on Dec 20, 2007 7:00 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Second source

http://rgweb-c.registerguard.com/blogs/index.php/duckfb/

by East Coast Bruin on Dec 20, 2007 7:17 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I hope

I am not the only one making sacrifices to your Mike Bellotti statue to get this done.

What? No one else has a Mike Bellotti statue just in case this happened?

by trainwreck84 on Dec 20, 2007 6:53 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

This changes my day

My firewall settings were changed at corporate and when we got back from lunch, my work Internet world had changed forever. Now I am getting the chills thinking about a real coach at UCLA. Not to mention the fact, we could get rid of this shitty contract and get a real shoewear manufacturer like Nike involved.

by DallasBruin on Dec 20, 2007 6:54 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Shitty shoe contract?

Support your opinion on this.

by mr havercamp on Dec 20, 2007 7:33 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

You could try...relaxing?

this is supported by my opinion that I prefer a potential Nike contact to either Addidas or Reebok. How is that?

by DallasBruin on Dec 20, 2007 7:45 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Read this:

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/huskies/332431_shoes20.html

You like the shoes better, but you said the contract was shitty. No correlation between your personal preference and the contract.

UCLA, Notre Dame, Michigan, Northwestern, Nebraska, Tenn, Kansas.

The Adidas contract is the one all schools want.

by mr havercamp on Dec 20, 2007 7:48 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Please support YOUR opinion

How exactly do the 7 schools that you named equate to all? I also forgot how huge it is to have the contract with Northwestern. While the school is top notch academically, it typically lacks in its athletic pursuits. Northwestern grads would most likely agree, although I do not have the evidence to support that either. Now perhaps if the Kellogg MBA students were wearing Addidas ties, that might impress. I would further assert that not only is Nike far superior to Addidas, but that Underarmour would be more highly perceived as well in today's environment.

by DallasBruin on Dec 20, 2007 8:00 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Did you read the article

Michigan switched to Adidas for $7.5 million - nearly 10 times what the University of Washington gets from Nike.

Adidas pays a shit load of money but only wants to align itself with top caliber schools.

Your premise was that our shoe contract was shitty - suffice to say, our Adidas contract is not shitty.

by mr havercamp on Dec 20, 2007 8:04 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

The article was interesting.....

Of course, your argument is slightly flawed. Michigan is one of the most widely merchandised schools in sports (#4), and has been for some time. You can look that up. Washington is much lower in the chain (#36). Therefore it stands to reason that the Michigan contract would be worth substantially more. UCLA's contract pays them $3 million per, a nice sum but substantially less than Michigan.

http://www.clc.com/clcweb/publishing.nsf/Content/Fiscal+Year-End+Rankings+July+1+2006+-+June+30+2007

Therefore, it makes no sense to equate the two contracts and therefore assume Adidas is better than Nike because of that. Schools vary from year to year and even within seasons. North Carolina sells considerably more merchandise during basketball season than during football season.

Obviously the choice comes down to personal preference in terms of product purchase. UCLA is the lone holdout in the PAC and I'm guessing that may change at some point as well. We'll see which way the money flows when that contract comes up. I think that we can both agree the Belotti is very positive for UCLA, regardless of our school's choice in apparel.

by DallasBruin on Dec 20, 2007 9:51 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

From what I heard

the reason UCLA isn't aligned with Nike is because of their "unethical practices." What that exactly means, I don't know. My guess would be child labor in Southeast Asia. But it's the same reason Coca-Cola vending machines aren't on UCLA campus. Something about Coke using local water supplies in India to manufacture the product, if I remember correctly. If this is indeed true, I don't see UCLA switching to Nike anytime soon.

by OutOThsWrld on Dec 20, 2007 11:10 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Don't know how much better

Adidas and Pepsi are ethically, but those would certainly be sticking points for UCLA. Current upperclassmen will probably recall the big Taco Bell controversy a couple of years ago over working conditions for tomato pickers in Florida or something. Then a year later it came back and is now located on Cooperage.

by Tydides on Dec 20, 2007 11:18 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

to further the correlation idea...

Oregon's ties to Nike aren't based on who the coach is. Remember, Nike is based in Oregon - of course they're going to want to support their local team. They'd look crappy if they didn't.

by AZBruin on Dec 20, 2007 8:57 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Phil Knight

Nike Founder, 30th Richest Man in America, Oregon Alum.

He is why they support Oregon athletics.

by SuperBruinMan on Dec 20, 2007 9:06 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Phil Knight is Oregon State Alum

He brought the ide of the waffle sole to OSU and they laughed at him. He went to Oregon and Steve Prefontaine liked it and the rest is history.

by mr havercamp on Dec 21, 2007 2:28 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Scratch that I had bad info - he is a Duck!

by mr havercamp on Dec 21, 2007 2:32 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Nice shot, Mr. Havercamp

No, Ms. Havercamp...The green is this way...

That's a peach, Hon!

Outstanding obscure Caddyshack reference.

by Sweetbreads Bailey on Dec 21, 2007 2:42 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed.

Reebok absolutely sucked. Addidas while much improved is not nearly as good as NIKE.

by greatgymnasticschool on Dec 20, 2007 7:48 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Nike products suck.

Adidas is far, far better. Have you ever even worn Adidas? My Adidas UCLA sweatshirt is the most comfortable one I own.

Nike is pure marketing BS. You pay a big premium because what, Tiger Woods and Michael Vick are paid to wear Nike and you feel that buying the same products they are paid to wear makes you somehow a better athlete?

by Chandler on Dec 20, 2007 8:32 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Damn Straight.

couldn't have said it better myself.

by makenji on Dec 20, 2007 8:48 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Anew blog?

"Shoein Nation"

by Offside on Dec 21, 2007 2:04 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

No way

USC is a Nike school. No way I'd want to share the same corporate sponsor. Let's stick with Adidas - they have very nice clothing and I prefer their shoes to Nike.

Of course I'm wearing New Balances right now as I type this, but New Balance isn't exactly a big name sponsoring type.

by freesia39 on Dec 21, 2007 9:46 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Something else to get excited about...

Oregon is reportedly one of the front runners for the #1 overall recruit in the country, Terell Pryor,

by Ajax on Dec 20, 2007 6:56 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

WHAT IN THE WORLD???

ARE.

YOU.

SH*TTING.

ME?????

I don't know what shocks me MORE:

(1) That we had the sheer STONES to even ask Bellotti, using "several administrators" no less?

(2) That Bellotti would even consider leaving the Oregon program he helped build.

(3) That, with all that Nike money, Bellotti only makes $1M a year with a $350K buyout???

Shoot, if it'd help, I'd write a $100 check to donate to the AD's office RIGHT NOW?

Someone please throw a 7-year/ $11M deal at Bellotti RIGHT NOW!

"Because I'm tired of it. Year after year after year after year having to choose between the lesser of 'Who cares?'"

by Meriones on Dec 20, 2007 7:00 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Bellotti

If that's all he's making, perhaps he wants to renegotiate with a little leverage? Or maybe they want to get rid of him and get Petersen? Or maybe I'm high?

by BruinAl on Dec 20, 2007 7:10 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Bingo!

I was going to post this but thought it best to wade through the bevy of responses Berlotti's candidacy generated to see if it was mentioned. Good catch!

Petersen was widely rumored to have been angling for the OU job but that was, everyone felt, years down the road when Berlotti retired. How ironic it would be if it occurred next year because Berlotti came to UCLA? Petersen would have to move or risk getting locked out for another decade.

Don't think Berlotti will move, though. However, it shows you what interest a non-wonder-bread interview generates and how secretive this search really is.

by whp68 on Dec 21, 2007 6:06 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

If we get Bellotti, OR becomes our #1 QB?

UCLA with a spread offense, OR becomes the UCLA's Dixon...it is too good to be true.

Fall-back scenario is Neuheisel.

My Xmas has just gotten better.

by bluegold on Dec 20, 2007 7:10 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Yes! (Look at the stats)

For the small portion of you who aren't convinced Bellotti would be a great fit at UCLA:

Oregon in the 13 years before Bellotti: 73-74-2
Oregon during Belloti's 13 years: 105-52

Oregon during Bellotti's 13 years: 105-52
UCLA during Bellotti's 13 years: 92-64

And remember, UCLA has recruiting advantages Oregon doesn't.

Anyone who thinks Bellotti would be a bad hire for UCLA isn't thinking straight.

by gilbert on Dec 20, 2007 7:11 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

HELL YES!

Plus, consider that Petersen and Tedford were both assistants under Bellotti, and went on to become good, solid head coaches in their own right.

When was the last time you heard of any of Dorrell's or Neuheisel's or Donahue's assistants) other than Skippy) becoming successful head coaches???

For the love of all that's Blue and Gold, GET HIM!!!!!!!!!

"Because I'm tired of it. Year after year after year after year having to choose between the lesser of 'Who cares?'"

by Meriones on Dec 20, 2007 7:15 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Just Wondering...

Anybody else watching the game between Navy and Utah. I know Johnson is gone, but damn, that offense can move the ball.

by OutOThsWrld on Dec 20, 2007 7:13 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

I love the idea of Bellotti...

But I love the idea of CHIP KELLY even more. If he brings Kelly with him...

Good lord. Imagine Forcier, Crissman, or OR, along with Knox (if he stays) Carter, and Bell in the spread?!?!

Holy freaking hell. Merry Christmas, guys. Merry Christmas.

Duke and North Carolina called: They want Steve Lavin back. GO BRUINS!!

by Allofmybros on Dec 20, 2007 7:18 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Once again, let's not get too excited

We have a rumor reported by Doh! and confirmed by BRO. Which means it is very likely incorrect.

Plus, there is apparrently a significant downside to Belloti. If indeed we get him, do we have to turn to absolutely dreadful uniforms that Oregon had to use? That's as big an embarrassment as the crap CTS put on the field.

But if it turns out that Doh! made up another rumor that by sheer happenstance turns out to be true, I think Aliotti would be a home run hire. But not those uniforms, please.

by Fox 71 on Dec 20, 2007 7:18 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

More confirmation

http://rgweb-c.registerguard.com/blogs/index.php/duckfb/comments/bellotti_confirms_talks_with_ucla/

Note the discussion about Belotti's replacement has already started!

by East Coast Bruin on Dec 20, 2007 7:30 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

And it's legit...

I was concerned about timing; but it looks like DG worked some magic with the OU administration:

http://blog.oregonlive.com/sportsupdates/2007/12/bellotti_reportedly_a_candidat.html

"I can neither confirm nor deny" = yes but I'm not authorized to say that.

by East Coast Bruin on Dec 20, 2007 7:43 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I reported this in a comment over two weeks ago

saying I heard it from the widely respected Joe McDonnell and no one said anything other than Bruin Babe. Now your number one enemy reports it, a guy who many of you say has no credibility, and now you jump all over the story? You guys say Dohn has no credibility but your actions indicate otherwise.

by Dorrellian on Dec 20, 2007 7:28 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Btw, Congrats on Breaking it...

I remember your comment but it seemed to good to be true...it still does, but the thought is scintillating!

by kidro2001 on Dec 20, 2007 9:53 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

We say Dohn has no credibility...

...because of his obvious campaigning for DeWayne Walker. Remember the on eabout WSU being hot and heavy for Walker, when there were no other news outlets confirming it? Then Walker didn't even get an interview.

by Ajax on Dec 20, 2007 10:36 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I remember you stumping for CHOKER

Don't recall anything broken on Bellotti before now.

Doh!n (and all other beat writers) have credibility when they do their jobs and report what they're hearing. Sadly, this is often not what we get. We get worthless editorial and discredited propaganda pieces instead with titles like "CHOW WOULD BE GREAT" or "Players getting ready to play for DyNoMite".

by Tydides on Dec 20, 2007 10:47 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm all in.

Write the check DG!

by RedDoor on Dec 20, 2007 7:33 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Let's Not Get Too Excited

Yes, I would love Belotti but, in some ways this story does not smell right.

First, DG has asked all candidates not to comment publically on whether they have been interviewed. All but DW and now, Belotti, have complied.

Second, the stories don't say DG interviewed Belotti, they say that some UCLA "administrators" interviewed him.

Third, we have not had any indication that we are speaking with coaches who are yet to play their bowl games. Why Belotti and not Leach, Mendenhall (OK I can see not contacting a bowl game opponent), Pedersen?

Fourth, I think UCLA is the finest job on earth. And, Belotti seems underpaid at Oregon, if those numbers are right. I'd not be surprised if Nike puts more money in the pot to keep him. And, yes, I mean Nike. One of my best friends was the Dean of the Oregon Law School and Nike was a generous contributor to it, and everything else in Eugene. One of the things that happens during this part of the year is that coaches seek other offers to give them leverage for raises at their original schools.

I am not saying anything negative about Belotti and I'd love to believe that he is under serious consideration here.

There are just too many things that are inconsistent with the way our search has been handled to make me feel good about this story.

sjh

by Class of 66 on Dec 20, 2007 7:36 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Good point

How will Phil Knight react?

by SuperBruinMan on Dec 20, 2007 7:56 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

As a Laker fan...

... who has long-suffered under the leadership/ caretaking of Mitch Kupchak, BELIEVE ME when I say I REALLY hope this is not Just Bellotti playing L.A. for more hometown cash iN Eugene.

That being said, after the recent news of Golden, the tidbits about Bellotti are too good to not dream about a little bit.

That being said, I'm coming back down to earth and tempering my hope with caution.

We could be getting played here. BIG TIME.

And the blue and gold family could end up with egg on its collective faces.

At the least, I will commend the search committee on going for a REALLY big fish.

And I will curse Dohn's name for weeks if he just Jack Haley-ed this deal.

"Because I'm tired of it. Year after year after year after year having to choose between the lesser of 'Who cares?'"

by Meriones on Dec 20, 2007 8:03 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Correction

This "potential deal."

"Because I'm tired of it. Year after year after year after year having to choose between the lesser of 'Who cares?'"

by Meriones on Dec 20, 2007 8:03 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Relax

This is a very positive development, if it's a development. There is an actual statement from Belotti, but there is nothing from DG. This isn't like a rumor about Golden, an unqualified candidate, which was and should have been thoroughly and vehemently blasted. The BN may be the only source of non-Kool Aid laced news that DG gets. (I am aware that there are some respected people who want to give Golden a real look. I can't get past his 5-19 record. To me, that makes him unqualified.)

It's fine to react positively to this positive rumor, but remember, it's still just a rumor until it's confirmed by DG. So relax. Besides, we haven't heard from Walker's press agent (Doh!) as to whether Walker would accept Belotti as head coach.

by Fox 71 on Dec 20, 2007 8:19 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I agree

If both parties really wanted this deal, I think they would have been better at keeping this quiet. The only reason to get this info out there is to use it as leverage for self-serving interests.

by UCngLA on Dec 20, 2007 10:10 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Nice

If we could pull this off, I'd be very happy. This is by far the best candidate I've heard with an interview and a definite tier #1 type of guy. Bring on the donor form if he's on his way....

by sfatoo on Dec 20, 2007 7:42 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

This is crazy

As is anyone who doesn't go APESHIT WITH EXCITEMENT at the thought of Bellotti coming to Westwood.

But it is hard to believe that he'd be leaving some of the best facilities in the nation and the unwavering backing of one the biggest sports firms in the world to come to UCLA where the facilities are... far from the best in the nation. But that said, if you want to be in the spotlight, LA is much better than that backwater burg of Eugene.

Exciting rumor, not getting my hopes up yet.

And 66, "sources" said, not "bellotti"... so probably still only DW, THE BESTEST D COORDINATOR IN THE LAND! is the only coach who can't keep his mouth shut.

by greatgymnasticschool on Dec 20, 2007 7:46 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Belotti Acknowledges Through His

Athletic Department.

Different from "sources say".

sjh

by Class of 66 on Dec 20, 2007 8:06 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Forgot to put in quote

Oregon coach Mike Bellotti confirmed through a UO spokesman tonight that he has been contacted by UCLA officials about the Bruins' open head coaching position.

"He's acknowledging that they have spoken with him," UO director of media services Dave Williford said.

sjh

by Class of 66 on Dec 20, 2007 8:07 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

"UCLA officials" is not necessarily

the same as "Dan Guerrero." It could be the search committee inviting Belotti to submit a resume.

by Fox 71 on Dec 20, 2007 8:21 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

sorry...

didn't see that part about him admitting through the department... Makes one think he's using us for more money.

by greatgymnasticschool on Dec 20, 2007 8:10 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Keep an eye on this

Ryan White at the Oregonian just opened a message board asking Duck fans "If Bellotti is trying to leverage Oregon, do you let him go?" No replies thus far.

http://blog.oregonlive.com/tailgate/2007/12/about_bellotti_and_ucla.html

by East Coast Bruin on Dec 20, 2007 8:25 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Dohn saying 72 hours? CRAP.

Last-minute Xmas gift shopping at all of the nation's Foot Locker and Foot Action stores will give Nike a push.

I think Dohn just jinxed the deal.

On a more serious note -- I'd feel better if it was 24 or even 48 hours. 72 hours gives the Duck boosters time to pony up a raise.

I'll pray, but I won't keep TOO much hope.

Son of a b**ch.

"Because I'm tired of it. Year after year after year after year having to choose between the lesser of 'Who cares?'"

by Meriones on Dec 20, 2007 8:27 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Yeah

I am going to be shocked if this goes through. I am not going to hold out hope.

by Nestor on Dec 20, 2007 8:28 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Not being gloomy or jubilant...

... just trying to stay calm, and analytical.

Keep your ears and eyes open, and your mouths relatively closed, people.

Too much noise will make rumors fester into facts only to have them get cleaned and washed up as rumors again.

Fasten your lap-straps and hold on to something bolted down.

It's gonna be a hell's-a-poppin' bumpy ride...

"Because I'm tired of it. Year after year after year after year having to choose between the lesser of 'Who cares?'"

by Meriones on Dec 20, 2007 8:40 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

If Bellotti brings Chip Kelly

Look out.

by Ajax on Dec 20, 2007 8:42 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I AM NOT GOING TO GET EXCITED

And on that note I am going to sleep.

GO BRUINS.

by Nestor on Dec 20, 2007 8:43 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah. Sure.

I expect you'll be posting again in about, oh, FIVE hours.

:lol:

"Because I'm tired of it. Year after year after year after year having to choose between the lesser of 'Who cares?'"

by Meriones on Dec 20, 2007 9:01 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I hear you N

The next 72 hours just might be the most tense of this entire search. Just when you thought things couldn't get any nuttier.

by OutOThsWrld on Dec 20, 2007 8:31 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Good thing there's a game Saturday

...otherwise I'd be very concerned about what DW is up to. I wonder if he talked to Dohn this afternoon?

by East Coast Bruin on Dec 20, 2007 8:43 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

I don't see it happening

Bellotti is super tight with Phil Knight who is the de facto AD at Oregon. He has job security and will be there as long as he wants, plus his son is on the team. I don't see him leaving.

by makenji on Dec 20, 2007 8:54 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

I have a bad feeling Bellotti

is just leveraging for more money from Oregon. I really hope I'm wrong, and am still comfortable with RN if Bellotti falls through. I'm just really glad to see DG make a serious run at a big name coach, and get mutual interest returned.

by paulucla on Dec 20, 2007 8:58 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

This is why

I have posted a few times for all of us to have a little patience with DG, because this is the kind of effort I was trusting he would give us. None of us realistically had Belotti on our radar. Even if Bellotti doesn't come, or is using us to pinch some more $$ from Oregon, doesn't this at least give us all a little more faith that DG will get us the very best guy he can?

As a brief aside, don't you all think we could have landed Rick Nuheisel already? The fact this search is continuing actually gives me more and more hope each day.

Having said that, HIRE BELLOTTI NOW!! Damn, I'm just about to begin my night shift and I won't even need any coffee tonight!!

greg in denver

by gbruin on Dec 20, 2007 9:00 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Slightly OT

Tom Dienhart has all the credibility that Doh! lacks, in my opinion. Plus he answers e-mails. He put up some tidbit of information, and I was concerned that he was just repeating what Doh! or someone like Doh! said. He said absolutely that was not the case. He said unequivocally that Doh! was not one of his sources, and that he does not talk to any media members.

That's just one more reason why I would believe Dienhart way before I would believe Doh!.

by Fox 71 on Dec 20, 2007 9:15 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

OMG

A Mike Bellotti hire would be SUPERB and I would rescind EVERY BAD WORD I have said about DG the past week or two.

by njbruin on Dec 20, 2007 9:27 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

The cupboard is bare at Oregon

Whether Bellotti bold is headed to UCLA or not, he won't stay just because his kid got a 2%-rule scholie . . . its a smart move, and if nothing else, it puts the onus on Nike to raise his salary.

by charnaw on Dec 20, 2007 9:31 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

WOW

This will be great news if it comes to pass.

And, I won't be terribly crushed if it doesn't. As so many have said, there are far too many reasons why this deal could fall apart. Therefore, I won't be surprised if it does.

Here is one happy BRUIN crossing his fingers, with a little faith in Dan Guerrero restored.

A coach is someone who can give correction without causing resentment. John Wooden

by MexiBruin on Dec 20, 2007 10:03 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

DG read my mind...

Not too long ago, I was telling my boss about Belloti coming to UCLA. Never thought DG would have the cajones to actually want to pull him in. Like everyone else has said on here and seen, he's managed to recruit and win at Oregon. What's not to say what he can't accomplish that at UCLA. The only thing that can hurt the Bruins here is good ol' Nike and what they offer through the UofO. You know Belloti will want the same facilities offered at UofO to be present at UCLA, since that may be part of his selling point to get kids to go up north. This would be one hell of a hire for sure...
If anything, at least you'll know UCLA won't have a stagnant offense...

by RScal on Dec 20, 2007 10:20 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Tracy at BRO

Is also reporting that UCLA is willing to give Bellotti a little more than they were expecting to give a coach and that UCLA agreed to Bellotti's demands that they improve the facilities over the next few years.

by trainwreck84 on Dec 20, 2007 11:12 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Belloti is the savior?

Hold on, did I miss a meeting? Are we so desperate that we are going to cry like this was Stoops or Meyer or Tressel that we just landed? When did the Ducks become the end all be all? He is better than what we have had, but so is every one. They are not that special up there that we should pin our hopes and dreams on this hire. This is not the second coming. You are all going to get hurt jumping on and off all of these bandwagons.

I think I have the blueprint. Must be current HC, ON the West Coast, that the ave fan can name, run the spread offense, be held back only because he is not recruiting in LA for UCLA, must have deep hatred for D. Walker, UCLA must be dream job and final destination. Oh yes ability to walk on water a plus.

by Bear on Dec 20, 2007 11:41 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Are you kidding me Bear?

Bellotti's got everything we NEED in a coach. About the only knock on him is his age. At 57 though, he's got a good 8 years at least and maybe more.

by OutOThsWrld on Dec 20, 2007 11:49 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

I will just say this

Bellotti would be an absolute home run. Any of you that disagree with this statement represent the "delusional" fanbase that EDSBS and others have talked about. What the shit do you want? Jesus H. Footballcoach? Frank Leahy? Paul Bryant?

Dick Vermeil is not walking through that door. Daryl Royal is not walking through that door. Urban Meyer is not walking through that door.

Bellotti would be second to Ben Howland as the best hire UCLA has made in three decades.

Stop whining. Stop qualifying statements. Stop complaining. Find an alter, and pray. Pray that Mike Bellotti takes the job.

Outside of Peterson, this is the best news we could get. Please let this happen.

by Sweetbreads Bailey on Dec 21, 2007 2:27 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Bingo

As always on the money SB.

by Nestor on Dec 21, 2007 4:01 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Sorry if you all think this is a fart in church,

but, as excited as I am about the possibility of Belotti, I still prefer Leach.

The anti-rap on Leach is that his D is weak. In the national standings:

TT's D was #50, Ore's was #62.

TT's O was #2, Ore's was #12

All that said, we do know that in his own quiet way DG has been going after a tier 1 hire and that this will turn out great.

It is so much better to debate between great choices than weak ones.

sjh

by Class of 66 on Dec 21, 2007 5:19 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Would that we should choose

between Leach and Belotti.

Interesting numbers. You have to figure that OU's O numbers would have been better with a healthy Dixon. But, quite an interesting comparison on D.

I guess while I'm here in church, I might as well pray for this to come to pass, but I'm having a hard time restraining my laughter at the cretin down the pew who farted.

by Bruinut on Dec 21, 2007 8:22 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs