Time To Find An Altar & PRAY

by Nestor on Dec 21, 2007 6:11 AM PST in Football Comment 75 comments

Let's get back to the coaching search, which in just span of 24 hours has become a lot more ~~fun~~ interesting (interesting is more apt considering I can't really describe my stomach being tied up in knots for next 48 hours as "fun"). As much as we have beaten up on Dohn, to his credit, he did break the news on Chow "pulling out" (more on that below) and the Bellotti angle yesterday. So we will go with the lead grafs on his today's story on the latest focus of our coaching search:

The most intriguing development was Bellotti's involvement, which was first reported on the Daily News' Website. He is now the front-runner for the position, and a decision by Bellotti is expected to happen in the next 72 hours, sources said.

Bellotti, the dean of Pacific-10 coaches, is 105-50 since becoming Oregon's coach in 1995. Behind an explosive offense, Oregon was in the hunt for the national title until quarterback Dennis Dixon tore a knee ligament in mid-November. The Ducks lost their last three regular-season games, including a 16-0 shutout Nov. 24 at UCLA, to finish 8-4 and play South Florida in the Sun Bowl on Dec. 31.

UCLA's search firm contacted Bellotti shortly after Guerrero fired Karl Dorrell on Dec. 3, but was rebuffed, sources said. However, armed with enough money to pay at least $1.8million, UCLA made another run at Bellotti, who is making $1,055,000 at Oregon. He also has a $350,000 buyout. Bellotti, who turns 57 today, was also the head coach at Chico State for five seasons, and has a 126-77-2 career record.

His candidacy is a curveball in a laborious search nearly three weeks old. Earlier this week, Neuheisel, a former UCLA quarterback, and Temple coach Al Golden were in Westwood for a second round of interviews, which included a meeting with chancellor Gene Block.

Yeah, it's little more than a curve ball. Let me say IMHO Bellotti to UCLA would be an atomic bomb that will have ripple effects all throughout the West (beyond the Pac-10 schools). Bellotti's arrival at UCLA means that Oregon will be gunning for either Petersen or Tedford themselves, which will set off another set of dominoes. Belotti is easily in my top-3 list of candidates (by the way Meriones will have a post up later this afternoon listing the top-8 choice among candidates based on internal poll among the frontpagers), who I believe has the potential to shift the balance of power in this conference in favor of the good guys.

Now, believe it or not, there are Bellotti detractors. We got an interesting email that brought up the points that Bellotti has lost 4 or more games in a season in 8 of his 13 seasons of coaching, and how he has lost 3 or more games in 10 of 13 seasons at Oregon, and that he has lost 4 or more games in 5 or his last 6 seasons.

Those are good data points. However, so are these, courtesy of Bill Plaschke in today's LAT:

[M]an, can he coach.

Thirteen seasons in the woods, 11 bowl games in the spotlight, including the Rose, Fiesta and Cotton.

Only USC has won more conference championships during that time, and no other coach has been less afraid of the Trojans.

Remember how the Bruins spent a year celebrating Karl Dorrell's lone victory against Pete Carroll?

Mike Bellotti is 5-3 against Pete Carroll.

His teams have won 42 of 52 games decided by a touchdown or less, so he teaches them to be cool.

His teams are 26-13 after Oct. 31, so he teaches them to be strong.

Can't really disagree with those numbers. Can we? Remember, he achieved those numbers at a program that didn't have much going for it before he arrived there. And I also thought Sweetbreads was on the money in our comment threads last night:

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.

Honestly, that is the exact state of my mind right now. However, the cynical part of my brain tells me that this could be just a ploy on the part of Bellotti to leverage his contract. Remember he did the same thing with Southern Cal a few years ago when they ended up settling for Pom Pom.

And the conventional take is that Bellotti and his family in the end may decide to pass the lights of tinsel town given how they have had some family issues the last couple of years. All I can say on that front is if the Bellottis come here and focus on football and being a member of this Nation ala Coach Howland, we will have his back just like we do with Coach Howland. He will get the same kind of reverential treatment and breathing space we have given Coach Howland since the moment he arrived here.

But, still, I am not sure if I can get my heart broken all over again. Again, I don't want to get my hopes up because, as Fox 71 pointed out, being a Bruin football fanatic is like being Charlie Brown.

Now on other front, we have discussed the crazy idea of bringing in Neuhiesel as the HC, and then package him with Chow as the OC and Walker as the DC. Well that "conspiracy" theory is now What's Bruin in the LAT, in which Perleman points out how money would not be in an issue for that kind of package (although instead of Neu, he has Golden as the HC in this scenario):

What about money for all this? We have heard enough times from enough people that money is available to do what needs to be done. And there are these facts

>> UCLA grossed $23.54 million on football last season (2006) and spent $16.87 million, for a nice net of $6.67 million that helped support the other teams in the UCLA program. (Men's basketball, by the way, netted $3.85 million.)

>> That figure is going to be higher in 2007 thanks to UCLA's all-time records for season-ticket sales and seasonal home attendance and additional giving to the Wooden Athletic Fund.

>> Salaries for the top coaches on the UCLA staff this season included about $900,000 for Dorrell after academic bonuses get figured in, with $334,000 for Walker and $304,000 for offensive coordinator Jay Norvell, a total of about $1.54 million.

If we assume that Guerrero could spend $3 million for his top-tier coaching staff in 2008, then Golden could be hired at, say, $1.1 million, Chow at $1 million (a guess of about the same or a small raise on what he makes at Tennessee) and Walker would be increased to perhaps $600,000; that would total $2.7 million and leave money available for upping the pay for defensive assists such as line coach Todd Howard, linebackers coach Chuck Bullough and safeties coach Gary DeLoach. Guerrero made a point in his news conference on December 3 of how well UCLA pays assistant coaches, implying the pay "pool" for assistants was higher than at any Pac-10 school except perhaps USC.

Could this happen? Would UCLA be better for it? Is Guerrero trying to play multiple hands at the same table . . . while in Las Vegas of all places?

Yes, yes and yes.

What was that about UCLA not having $?

Now that is a lot to think about. BTW you are wondering why we would even consider this scenario since Chow dropped out of the picture. Well, from the same post, here is Perelman's observation:

"Nevertheless, I have decided not to pursue things further with UCLA at this time. My focus is on the Tennessee Titans and preparing our team for a chance at the playoffs."

Notice the focus on "at this time" and the reference to this season's playoffs and not the future. Tennessee has two regular-season games left, ending December 30. Chow could be available starting December 31 if the Titans miss the playoffs (they are one game behind in the Wild Card with two to play). By removing himself, he does not put UCLA in the position of picking over him.

So, yeah, there is a lot going on right now. All on a sudden I feel tinge beet more optimistic today than I did yesterday. But at the same time, my heart tells me to be careful and not fall into this trap of hope, and get Charie Browned again.

I will be traveling this afternoon (flying home to LA) for the Holidays. You can guess what I am hoping for in next 24-48 hours. I am of to finding an altar. You should do the same too.

Bring it home DG.

GO BRUINS.

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Take this for what it's worth

My office has been filled with baked goodies the past week. The other day, I wandered up to the front, and found a tin of gingerbread cookies. But these just weren't any gingerbread cookies. I started reading that they were Swedish wish cookies, and you are supposed to put one in your palm, make a wish, then break it with a finger from your other hand. If it breaks in three, your wish comes true.

Figuring I had nothing to lose, I placed one in my palm and said to myself, "I wish we hire a coach with a proven record." It broke in three.

Safe travels N. Mr. BB and I are flying out on Sunday and will be in LA for a week. We're going to be able to take in the UC Davis game on the 29th.

by bruinbabe2000 on Dec 21, 2007 6:25 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Good news

and it's altar, not alter

by Tommy Bruin on Dec 21, 2007 6:42 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

72 hours...

I know one person who wouldn't be having a Merry Christmas - Pete Carroll!

It's possible he is leaning on OU to get a bump in salary, but at the same time, he has been there for over a decade, done about as well as any coach could, and is only making a million dollars with a $350,000 buyout? What type of clowns are signing the checks in Eugene? That is horrible!

He deserves more and maybe he realizes theres no point to staying at OU if he has to put on a show every time he wants a raise. UCLA is the big time, he can become the Godfather of UCLA football, bring hardware and money into Westwood, and turn it into a real rivalry again.

by njbruin on Dec 21, 2007 6:53 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Bellotti pay and Phil Knight

If OU let's Bellotti go, it is because Phil Knight has been unsatisfied with his season ending scores and said, "Let him go and call Petersen". Otherwise Knight said, "Here is another $1MM in salary and call me after golf".
Bill

BillSouthBay

by Mensgym on Dec 21, 2007 7:44 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I assume we are and the end of the search

with Bellotti as the prime target and Neuheisel as the fallback?

by bluegold on Dec 21, 2007 7:04 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

nah

two weeks ago we thought Choker was inevitable and one week ago we thought Neuheisel was inevitable. I hope we are near the end but its impossible to say.

by njbruin on Dec 21, 2007 7:06 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I Still Want Leach

but I'll be happy -- ecstatic -- with Belotti.

FWIW --

Both TT's D and O were better than Oregon's, and TT played in a pretty tough conference.

TT's D 50 in nation Ore's 62

TT's O #2 Ore's #12

Much has been said about not wanting Alioti back here -- I think he's a push with DW.

But, if we are lucky enough to get Belotti, he's the kind of strong, experienced coach whose judgment I will completely trust as to assistants.

As I have continued to preach, DG knows he is making his signature hire and is doing it right. Even if we don't get Belotti, there is no reason to believe he is not on Leach and Mendenhall's trails.

We are on the road BACK TO excellence. (Yes, youngsters, us geezers say "back to" because we've had the privilege of being there; we wish the same for you.)

sjh

by Class of 66 on Dec 21, 2007 7:27 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I still want Leach too...

People need to be careful with Plaschke's numbers as they are not quite right, and there is a lot of spin:

1)Bellotti has never been to a Rose Bowl as claimed. Even though he has taken Oregon to 11 bowls in 13 seasons, that isn't tough anymore. Remember Dorrell took UCLA to 5 in 5 seasons. Still Bellotti's bowl record is 4-6 including losing the last 4 in a row.

2)He makes it sound like Bellotti has a bunch of conference championships but it's only two in 13 seasons. One of those was a three way tie where Oregon was 3rd in the tie-breaker.

3)Yes he has done well in close games, coaches with winning records do that. However Bellotti has had a very bad habit of getting blown out too. Bellotti has 17 loses by over 14 points in his record including a half dozen true beatdowns.

Again I don't know where Plaschke gets his numbers but Bellotti is 31-22 after Oct.31st. However since 2002 he is 9-17 in that same time frame.
As pointed out below, Bellotti is 2-3 against Carroll at USC. The two schools didn't play in '03 or '04.

Not saying that Bellotti wouldn't be a good hire, at UCLA he probably is. Just pointing out the numbers can lead you to understand why Duck fans are not worried about losing him.

by nikeu on Dec 21, 2007 8:12 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

you have to take into account

The tail end of OU's season without Dixon when you look at that #12 record. If Dixon were healthy, keep in mind they would almost certainly have been in the top 10 and probably in the top 5... and they could easily, easily have been playing for the "championship".

by njbruin on Dec 21, 2007 8:27 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

From your mouth to....

GO BRUIN BLUE.

by theREAL_LOGAN5 on Dec 21, 2007 9:48 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Thinking

About Bellotti using UCLA as leverage...

That would take HUGE balls to do with a team in your own league... Either he really is interested in the job and/or REALLY doesn't fear/care about UCLA.

But if a great coach in the Pac 10 wanted to go heads up the Carrol, wouldn't UCLA be the great place for it! The potential built into this is so awesome... but that's what also makes great rumors/disappointments.

can't wait for this to play out.

by greatgymnasticschool on Dec 21, 2007 7:12 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Not that it matters

but Belotti already has PC's number.

Good point about not using a fellow conference school for leverage.

sjh

by Class of 66 on Dec 21, 2007 7:20 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Add Leverage..

About Berlotti leveraging the UCLA job to up his salary, it is a two-edged sword. While I realize there are loyalty, friendship (Berlotti and the OU AD), and commercial interest (Nike) issues, it is something that cuts both ways. A poster -- bruinjr, ironically -- summed it up best on the on an Oregon blog addressing this issue:

If he wants to go, then let him, and bring in Chris Peterson from Boise State (who is said to covet the Oregon job). Bellotti gets a big payday and a big time program, Oregon gets an up and coming coach who wants to be here. In my opinion, the ducks have reached the ceiling with Bellotti as coach. It's a win win for everybody.

There are other, similar responses and the populace is surprisingly cavalier about Berlotti's striking out for greener pastures -- it's worth going over there and reviewing how unconcerned they really are about Berlotti's departure. Maybe the end-of-season collapse with the loss of Dixon has colored their judgment; who knows? All I know is that, the last time UCLA hired a good coach from the state of Oregon, we had 8 years of memorable football.

You were probably too young to remember that, but ask 'Class of 66' and a few other geezers like us around here; it was a mighty proud time for us, kicking NCAA ass in basketball, football, track and field, volleyball, swimming, and the rest..

..mighty proud!

by whp68 on Dec 21, 2007 7:20 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Eugene May Still be in the '60's

I love Eugene. It may have remained the flower child city -- laid back and tye-dyed.

If so, I can understand the fact that they are not wringing hands and going nuts.

You know the old saying "Don't bogart that coach, my friend". It's our turn to take a hit on Belotti.

Thanks, Ducks.

sjh

by Class of 66 on Dec 21, 2007 7:34 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

WOW

You don't check BN for 12-18 hours, and you come back to find Mike freaking Belotti as the new front runner.

I have close friends who are die hard Oregon fans (in fact, their father played rugby with Belotti at Davis and was a general drinking buddy of his). As a result, I've watched more Oregon games than most Pac-10 fans.

Belotti would absolutely be a home run hire and one that I would be far and away very enthusiastic about.

I guess we'll have to wait and see what happens. Would be an amazing, amazing get if we could pull it off.

by MbahABako on Dec 21, 2007 7:16 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Bellotti against Carroll

I don't know where Plaschke gets his numbers from, but Bellotti is 2-3 against Carroll. SUC has only played 5 games against Oregon since 2001 when Pom Pom showed up, they didn't play in '03 or '04.

by nikeu on Dec 21, 2007 7:30 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

I knew DG would get it done

this wouldn't just be a home run, it would be a grand slam!!!!

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

by silverlakebruin on Dec 21, 2007 7:59 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Don't jinx it!*

by Nestor on Dec 21, 2007 8:01 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

BN Rule #21(c)(3)

One may not get comfortable or express that one is in that state. Doing so may lead to severe consequences.

sjh

by Class of 66 on Dec 21, 2007 8:05 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Whoa, whoa, WHOA!

Go outside, turn around three times, and spit! And curse... and spit again! Do both! GO!!!

"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 21, 2007 11:05 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Regardless of how this turns out

I hope this puts an end to the idea that DG isn't trying to land a home run candidate.

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

by silverlakebruin on Dec 21, 2007 8:01 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Dear Dan Guerrero

Dear Dan Guerrero,

In appreciation of your efforts on behalf of UCLA athletics (including your home run hire of Mike Belotti following your home run hires of Coach Howland and Coach Savage), please accept my contribution to the Wooden Athletic Fund. You are hereby authorized to charge my American Express card XXX XXXXXX X1002 (6908) in the amount of $XX,XXX.

Sincerely,

by ocbruin1985 on Dec 21, 2007 8:06 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Yep

I haven't written a check with "UCLA Athletic Fund" on it in a while, but if DG pulls this off, I'll start writing them again!

"This is not a place for just any coach" Dan Guerrero

by godblesstyus95 on Dec 21, 2007 8:19 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

OCBruin

If you would just send me the specifics on your card number, I will be happy to take it from there!!!

BillSouthBay

by Mensgym on Dec 21, 2007 11:18 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

anyone know how his players do academically

graduation rates?

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

by silverlakebruin on Dec 21, 2007 8:13 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

NCAA APR

Oregons NCAA APR is 912, which is below the cut off line.

http://web1.ncaa.org/app_data/apr2006/529_2006_apr.pdf

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

OMFG

Wow, I certaintly didn't see this coming.

Credit DG for truly going after what would be a tape-measuring home run hire. It looks like he'll come out of this looking good no matter who he hires (unless it's Walker or Harbaugh), and (the cynical part tells me) maybe that's what he is going for.

A Belotti hire would truly unite Bruins Nation: Successful head coaching experience, a presence, good recruiting ties to So Cal, and......wait for it.......A SPREAD OFFENSE!

Outside of Championship #12, nothing would make be feel better about UCLA athletics than for this to happen.

Think POSITIVE.

"This is not a place for just any coach" Dan Guerrero

by godblesstyus95 on Dec 21, 2007 8:16 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Bellotti and Ossar

Imagine if he could teach Ossar to pass. We might have the next Dennis Dixon.

by Bruin77 on Dec 21, 2007 8:32 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Bellotti and pom pom don't like each other

Just look at this video from last year's OU - SUC game:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VqmmxOsJW1Y

by cmcbruin on Dec 21, 2007 8:33 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Please Please Please

Dear Santa,

Enclosed is my revised Christmas list. Please disregard any previous lists you may have received from me. Thank you and have a Merry Christmas.

1. Have UCLA hire Mike Bellotti as football coach.

Sincerely,

McNown to Farmer

by McNown to Farmer on Dec 21, 2007 8:36 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Key here is Petersen

rumor has it that Phil Knight/UO is very high on him, and that might influence whether or not UO makes a offer to entice Bellotti to stay.

My guess is, if UO matches whatever UCLA will pay him, he stays. If they don't, our dreams could come true.

"This is not a place for just any coach" Dan Guerrero

by godblesstyus95 on Dec 21, 2007 8:40 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

I think Bellotti and PC are 3-3

Bellotti won the first two and this year against PC.

by cv on Dec 21, 2007 8:42 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Bellotti is 2-3 against Carroll

PC's first year was 2001, didn't play in 2003 or 2004.

http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/div_ia/pac10/oregon/opponents_records.php?teamid=3035

by Mrtravlear on Dec 21, 2007 8:47 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Berlotti v. USC

While Mike Berlotti would be a super hire and there is no question that he has done a very good job at Oregon building teams that require an Here's Berlotti's overall record against USC:

1997 Oregon 22 Southern California 24 Lost
1998 Oregon 17 Southern California 13 Won
1999 Oregon 33 Southern California 30 Won
2000 Oregon 28 Southern California 17 Won
2001 Oregon 24 Southern California 22 Won
2002 Oregon 33 Southern California 44 Lost
2005 Oregon 13 Southern California 45 Lost
2006 Oregon 10 Southern California 35 Lost
2007 Oregon 24 Southern California 17 Won

by whp68 on Dec 21, 2007 9:24 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Berlotti v. UCLA

And here's his record against UCLA:

1995 Oregon 38 UCLA 31 Won
1996 Oregon 22 UCLA 41 Lost
1997 Oregon 31 UCLA 39 Lost
1998 Oregon 38 UCLA 41 Lost
1999 Oregon 29 UCLA 34 Lost
2000 Oregon 29 UCLA 10 Won
2001 Oregon 21 UCLA 20 Won
2002 Oregon 31 UCLA 30 Won
2003 Oregon 31 UCLA 13 Won
2004 Oregon 26 UCLA 34 Lost
2006 Oregon 30 UCLA 20 Won
2007 Oregon 0 UCLA 16 Lost

by whp68 on Dec 21, 2007 9:27 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Berlotti's Bowl Record

1995 Oregon 6 Colorado 38 Lost Cotton Bowl
1997 Oregon 41 Air Force 13 Won Las Vegas Bowl
1998 Oregon 43 Colorado 51 Lost Aloha Bowl
1999 Oregon 24 Minnesota 20 Won Sun Bowl
2000 Oregon 35 Texas 30 Won Holiday Bowl
2001 Oregon 38 Colorado 16 Won Fiesta Bowl
2002 Oregon 17 Wake Forest 38 Lost Seattle Bowl
2003 Oregon 30 Minnesota 31 Lost Sun Bowl
2005 Oregon 14 Oklahoma 17 Lost Holiday Bowl
2006 Oregon 8 Brigham Young 38 Lost Las Vegas Bowl

by whp68 on Dec 21, 2007 9:32 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I'll pop the cork

when I see it. Until then, I still don't trust UCLA and the coaching search. History taught me that.

by BlueReign on Dec 21, 2007 9:03 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

I don't understand.

His WP% at Oregon is 0.669

That places him FAR below:
Pete Carroll, Urban Meyer, Bob Stoops, Mark Richt, Phillip Fulmer (Tenn), Bobby Bowden, Lloyd Carr, Steve Spurrier. Look at FBS and you can add Joe Paterno, Paul Johnson, Dan Hawkins, Jim Tressel, Gary Patterson, Dennis Erickson, Nick Saban, Les Miles, Tommy Tuberville...the list goes on for a WHILE...

and that is only ACTIVE coaches (or in the case of Carr, recently inactivated).

Bellotti is good, not great.

by jjreicher on Dec 21, 2007 9:40 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

He coaches at Oregon

Not Southern Cal, Florida, Oklahoma, Georgia, Tennessee, Florida State, or Michigan.

Does anybody even remember what Oregon used to be? There are limits to what you can do at certain schools. Rich Rodriguez understood this.

It's Oregon.

by Sweetbreads Bailey on Dec 21, 2007 9:50 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Seriously...

I don't understand why people can't grasp the idea of him hitting the plateau out at Oregon and blowing up at a school with access to better recruits...

R-Rod is a good comparison, IMO. He coaches in a weaker conference which allows him to win the conf, but he still wanted to go to a premier school in a premier conf.

by kidro2001 on Dec 21, 2007 10:31 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

OU and football

There was a day, and I remember it as just before Beloitti showed up, that either or both OU and/or OSU were going to drop football because they were bad teams and had poor attendance. In the case of OU, it may have been a ploy to get Phil Knight involved, but until he showed up OU was moribund for football.
Bill

BillSouthBay

by Mensgym on Dec 21, 2007 11:21 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Too many to count

all the California kids, both Northern and Southern, that Bellotti has lured up to Eugene. EUGENE.

If he can lure a stud SoCal kid to Eugene, imagine what he could do to keep them close to home.

"This is not a place for just any coach" Dan Guerrero

by godblesstyus95 on Dec 21, 2007 10:55 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Pray'n alright

Thanks everyone for the quick bio-check on Mr Bellotti.

Good..not great. The rumor list is getting better. Appears to be more and more everyday a list of various types of "availables" which might be expected to be assembled by a search firm.

If I'm a prayin...maybe it's he'll stay at the land of liquid sunshine...

by GemCityBruin on Dec 21, 2007 10:03 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

why is everyone so hung up on overall win %?

Is that the only way people can quantify success or failure?

He took over a HORRIBLE program. What's his record the last five or six years? Better yet, where is Oregon now compared to where it was when he arrived?

by greatgymnasticschool on Dec 21, 2007 10:03 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

records

"He took over a HORRIBLE program" - Oregon won the Rose Bowl the year before Bellotti took over. Clearly they were not that bad.

"What's his record the last five or six years?" - Bellotti is 45-29 (.608) in his last six seasons. That is a lower average than his overall one, he seems to be tailing off.

His record is a very mixed bag, with a lot of inconsistency these last few years.

by nikeu on Dec 21, 2007 10:18 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Not so much

Oregon LOST the 95 Rose Bowl (ended the season with FOUR losses) and it was their first Rose Bowl in over 30 years.

Every program goes up and down, Bellotti has OREGON of all places in the national championship hunt just about every three years. (quick reminder: UCLA is NEVER in the championship hunt) If Bellotti isn't good enough, who is?

Now a real question is whether or not the lure of Bellotti at UCLA can get enough good qualified players to offset that Oregon has basically no academic requirements for football players.

by greatgymnasticschool on Dec 21, 2007 10:53 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

bellotti

My bad, you are right Oregon lost the Rose bowl that year. However Bellotti in 13 seasons has not taken them to one. Even if you want to count the year he took them to the Fiesta bowl, that is only one out of 13 seasons. Not really that great of a record.

The only season Oregon was in the hunt for a NC was '01. In 2000 they were #10th the last two weeks of the season and this year they lost their last three games. UCLA was in the hunt just a couple of years before in '98. Not much difference.

by nikeu on Dec 21, 2007 11:24 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

This year

They were contenders then lost two of the best players in the country on offense, so yes, they went off the cliff.

They were also in contention in '05 and if I remember correctly, got screwed out of the BCS because the play in the Pac 10 which always gets screwed. It didn't surprise me that they weren't that psyched for the Holiday Bowl then, either.

OREGON, I repeat, OREGON, in EUGENE (go there and see it for yourself) has finished in the top 12 3 times in the last 7 years and was ranked in the top 2 (I think) this year.

UCLA was in the hunt for a NC one week out of the last 50+ years... and has one 10 win season in the last how many years? Not really the same thing.

by greatgymnasticschool on Dec 21, 2007 12:08 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Go crazy..

From Wikipedia:

Year and bowl Winning team Losing team Result
1917 Rose Bowl Oregon 14 Pennsylvania 0 Won
1920 Rose Bowl Harvard 7 Oregon 6 Lost
1949 Cotton Bowl SMU 21 Oregon 13 Lost
1958 Rose Bowl Ohio State 10 Oregon 7 Lost
1960 Liberty Bowl Penn State 41 Oregon 12 Lost
1963 Sun Bowl Oregon 21 SMU 14 Won
1989 Independence Bowl Oregon 27 Tulsa 24 Won
1990 Freedom Bowl Colorado State 32 Oregon 31 Lost
1992 Independence Bowl Wake Forest 39 Oregon 35 Lost
1995 Rose Bowl Penn State 38 Oregon 20 Lost

1996 Cotton Bowl Colorado 38 Oregon 6 Lost
1997 Las Vegas Bowl Oregon 41 Air Force 13 Won
1998 Aloha Bowl Colorado 51 Oregon 43 Lost
1999 Sun Bowl Oregon 24 Minnesota 20 Won
2000 Holiday Bowl Oregon 35 Texas 30 Won
2001 Fiesta Bowl Oregon 38 Colorado 16 Won
2002 Seattle Bowl Wake Forest 38 Oregon 17 Lost
2003 Sun Bowl Minnesota 31 Oregon 30 Lost
2005 Holiday Bowl Oklahoma 17 Oregon 14 Lost
2006 Las Vegas Bowl Brigham Young 38 Oregon 8 Lost
2008 Sun Bowl Oregon v. South Florida

It appears that Mr Berlotti has taken Oregon to more bowls during his tenure than all of the other coaches in Oregon's hisgtory.

Also, with respect to Berlotti's last four games in 1995:

1995 Oregon 24 Arizona State 31 Lost
1995 Oregon 24 Washington 22 Won
1995 Oregon 17 Arizona 13 Won
1995 Oregon 12 Oregon State 10 Won

..last four games in subsequent seasons:

1996 Oregon 14 Washington 33 Lost
1996 Oregon 49 Arizona 31 Won
1996 Oregon 40 California 23 Won
1996 Oregon 49 Oregon State 13 Won

1997 Oregon 22 Southern California 24 Lost
1997 Oregon 31 Washington 28 Won
1997 Oregon 31 Arizona State 52 Lost
1997 Oregon 48 Oregon State 30 Won

1998 Oregon 3 Arizona 38 Lost
1998 Oregon 27 Washington 22 Won
1998 Oregon 51 Arizona State 19 Won
1998 Oregon 41 Oregon State 44 Lost

1999 Oregon 20 Arizona State 17 Won
1999 Oregon 52 Washington State 10 Won
1999 Oregon 24 California 19 Won
1999 Oregon 25 Oregon State 14 Won

2000 Oregon 56 Arizona State 55 Won
2000 Oregon 27 Washington State 24 Won
2000 Oregon 25 California 17 Won
2000 Oregon 13 Oregon State 23 Lost

2001 Oregon 24 Washington State 17 Won
2001 Oregon 42 Arizona State 24 Won
2001 Oregon 21 UCLA 20 Won
2001 Oregon 17 Oregon State 14 Won

2002 Oregon 41 Stanford 14 Won
2002 Oregon 21 Washington State 32 Lost
2002 Oregon 14 Washington 42 Lost
2002 Oregon 24 Oregon State 45 Lost

2003 Oregon 10 Washington 42 Lost
2003 Oregon 21 California 17 Won
2003 Oregon 31 UCLA 13 Won
2003 Oregon 34 Oregon State 20 Won

2004 Oregon 31 Washington 6 Won
2004 Oregon 27 California 28 Lost
2004 Oregon 26 UCLA 34 Lost
2004 Oregon 21 Oregon State 50 Lost

2005 Oregon 28 Arizona 21 Won
2005 Oregon 27 California 20 Won
2005 Oregon 34 Washington State 31 Won
2005 Oregon 56 Oregon State 14 Won

2006 Oregon 34 Washington 14 Won
2006 Oregon 10 Southern California 35 Lost
2006 Oregon 10 Arizona 37 Lost
2006 Oregon 28 Oregon State 30 Lost

2007 Oregon 35 Arizona State 23 Won
2007 Oregon 24 Arizona 34 Lost
2007 Oregon 0 UCLA 16 Lost
2007 Oregon 31 Oregon State 38 Lost

..while he may have had a bad 2006 and we all know that the 2007 team suffered a catastophic loss in Dixon. Also, the record for the other years do not seem to support the assertion that he fades.

..anyone know how to render in fixed-font?

by whp68 on Dec 21, 2007 11:40 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I Want Leach

I will not denigrate Belotti in any way, and if we get him I will be pleased and supportive of the hire, but I want Mike Leach.

Mike Bellotti is a proficient head coach.

Mike Leach is a football genius.

Bellotti runs a good program and has had some success.

Leach is changing the paradigm of college football offense.

Bellotti's offense has been crafted by very good coordinators -- like Kelly. And, if Bellotti comes here, and Pedersen does not go to Oregon, there is a good chance that Kelly becomes the HC at Oregon and does not come here.

Leach has been the driving force behind his own offense.

Leach's teams, though criticized for playing weak D actually play better D than Bellotti's.

From what I've read, and the research was difficult:
Oregon's APR for football players is below average and
TT's is second in the nation for public universities.
I'm not confident I found the right numbers, but Leach is on record, all over, as saying that his players come to school to get a degree and that he makes sure they do so; he also says that laxity in the classroom is tied to laxity on the field, and he will not tolerate it. I'd appreciate it if someone, better than I, will find the exact numbers.

Now to purely subjective factors -- my thumb is heavily on the scale here:

I don't care about having a pleasing personality -- but Leach is a hoot, is loved by the press, is interesting and not one bit boastful. It may be sour grapes, but on the Oregon sites, they are saying that Bellotti is a bit too much of a self-promoter.

And, I really don't care if Pete Carroll hates Bellotti. Or if he is afraid of him. Or if he says Fuck You to him. All I care about is winning games and returning UCLA to excellence in football.

I'm not saying Bellotti can't do it.

I just have more confidence in Leach.

Finally, before we go too far in this premature ejaculation of joy, we should remember -- there is no word from DG that he has taken any steps toward bringing Bellotti here. At best there are reports that he has "pursued" him or that some administrators, or DG, have talked with him.

I'm hoping they have also talked with Leach who I believe is a better choice.

sjh

by Class of 66 on Dec 21, 2007 10:06 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Leach would be my first choice...

But he's not a candidate. He's just not.

Whether it's his "Cap'n Leach" persona or recent dust-up with the Big-12 officials, he's obviously a bit more than DG and university want to deal with. Unfortunate, but I think it's time to move on.

The Jolly Roger will not be sailing in Westwood. Sad, but true.

by Sweetbreads Bailey on Dec 21, 2007 10:11 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I think for most Leach is #1

Most indications are Leach is not coming to Westwood. That was established somewhat early on. Before, though, we thought that no Leach meant Choker, or Walker. But now, no Leach can mean Bellotti.

You can't always get what you want. Remember, the Humanitarian was a 2nd tier hire. A lot of SUC donors got really pissed at that.

by njbruin on Dec 21, 2007 11:32 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I Don't Buy It!!!

Sorry to shout, but the only indication that Leach is not welcome at UCLA has come from Dohn and another msm (I refuse to use cap's for them) reporter.

There has been ABSOLUTELY NOTHING from UCLA saying that Leach is not under consideration. Nothing.

If DG decides that MB is the right hire -- so be it.

But, until then, I'll not let a DW shill dampen the prospects that Leach is or should be on the list.

Remember, Dohn's first mission was to keep KD, which required dumbing down expectations. When that mission was not accomplished, he tried to give us DW -- which also required dumbing down expectations.

Until we hire Bellotti, I will continue to fly the Skull and Crossbones and speak up for the coach I believe is best for the job.

sjh

by Class of 66 on Dec 21, 2007 12:24 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

so then..

..that means that Guerrero and his mysterious search firm has, so far:

(1) Interviewed and is considering Bellotti (coulda sworn it was spelled with an "r" in there).

(2) Interviewed and is considering Neuheisel.

(3) Is considering Rick Leach per your assertions above.

(4) Has been "turned down" by Norm Chow.

(5) Has interviewed several other promising but not necessarily top-tier alternatives.

(6) Per the Kuwada in OC Register, Walker has been interviewed early on in this process but has "not been talked to again".

..sure looks to me that the Chalker/choker/Walker as the moorish Iago fears are diminishing with each new revelation and the passage of time. It also appears that the coaching search is a little more vibrant than we all originally feared.

Of course, Guerrero could still pull an a**hole out of a sack full of pu**ies, but ain't life grand?

by whp68 on Dec 21, 2007 12:43 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

WOW - Bellotti Would Be Awesome!

Couldn't believe it when I logged on here this A.M. and saw Nestor's post. This would be an incredibly great hire if this happens (somehow I think it will). I just had this feeling all along that, despite the rumors of "Choker", DYnoMite, et al, that DG had something up his sleeve all the time. Actually, I have to admit I was quite surprised to see Bellotti's name mentioned at all as I was under the impression that he was totally ensconced at Eugene. But, maybe he sees UCLA as the place where he can take it a step further than he could at Oregon. Don't worry, Nestor. You know I'LL be saying my share of prayers today and tonight!

by Minnesota Bruinfan on Dec 21, 2007 10:34 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Oregon Ducks fans don't seem to care

Some of the Ducks bloggers I know seem to also believe that Bellotti has done all he is going to do at Oregon, and it's time for new blood. They want to see what Chris Petersen and Chip Kelly will be able to do for them.

HOWEVER; as high as I am on Mike Bellotti, I want a package deal of Bellotti & Kelly. Getting Kelly to bring in the Spread Offense with him is the best fallback position after not landing Leach or Johnson.

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

by MexiBruin on Dec 21, 2007 10:50 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

If You Want Innovative Offense

you really should want Leach.

He can do it withoug an OC.

I doubt we will get Kelly. He's probably in line for Bellotti's job if Pedersen doesn't take it.

sjh

by Class of 66 on Dec 21, 2007 12:26 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Bruingold...

The guys over at Bruingold are bashing Bellotti. That means UCLA needs to get him. Those guys don't know much about football; they dream up fantasies all the time. I think a lot of those guys smoke some funny stuff. But, I find it interesting that a BIG-TIME guy like that gets his name thrown into the hat and they are against it. Absolutely STUPID.

That would be a HOMERUN hire at UCLA and espn would talk about it during the whole bowl season. I'm telling you; high school kids who play football love to watch espn college football. Tell me, which recruits would bail because of this hire?

by FullertonBruin on Dec 21, 2007 10:52 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Bellotti is a credible candidate

because he is clearly more than miffed at Oregon's fans' and supporters' crush on Petersen. Incidentally, my usually reliable Texas contact says TT will more than match any offer UCLA can make for Leach. Still, our situation, once apparently dismal, is looking up. Nothing wrong with Neuheisel, Golden, or Bellotti IMHO.

by Oldguy on Dec 21, 2007 10:57 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

My HEAVEN. Imagine the ripple effect...

... given that, as some have imagined, UO might, might, MIGHT be willing to take on Petersen as potential Bellotti-replacement.

Again, my HEAVEN.

UCLA -- (we hope and pray for) Bellotti
U$C -- Pom Pom Pete
Cal -- Tedford
Oregon -- Petersen
ASU -- Koetter

Are you FREAKING kidding me?

If, if, IF!!! we can somehow by the grace of God/ Allah/ Buddha/ a dude named Bud can pull this off, can you imagine how SEC and Big 12 and Big 10 teams would be in for the gauntlet of their lives coming out West?

"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 21, 2007 11:08 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

ASU

I'm sure you meant Erickson....

by sausmaf on Dec 21, 2007 11:20 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Woops, yeah.

I sit corrected. Doh!

"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 21, 2007 11:33 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

For what it's worth - report Belotti staying

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

the blog is a Eugene reporter that covers the Ducks

by Mrtravlear on Dec 21, 2007 11:35 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

If Belotti Stays Put with a New Contract

that sends a message to Petersen that the Oregon job won't be open for a while.

Maybe that will help us in our pursuit of him.

Exciting times!

sjh

by Class of 66 on Dec 21, 2007 12:31 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Silver Lining

I like the optomism. There is a pony !!

I also share your views on Leach- ever since the NY Times article, he has been a fascinating story. I paid some attention when he was being considered for 49ers OC a few years ago (the 49ers have paid the price since !!), and hope that his apparent absence from the hot list reflects, as you suggest, more bamboozling by Dohn and crowd.

I would also be happy with Neuheisel. We should try (all other things being equal) to try to get somebody who really wants to be at UCLA (a la Howland), and is not looking at this as a stepping stone or leverage (a la Belloti and Golden, Golden not being right on so many other levels as well). Leach and Neuheisel would both seem to fit that criterion, and June Jones might as well- don't know much about his views on UCLA to date.

by islandbruin on Dec 21, 2007 3:47 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Reality Check People

Honestly. I dont give a flyin #@$% about Bellotti.

Let's get serious. If we dont lose the game against them in 2002 Bellotti is 2-3 against CTS and we came into this year thinking we'd handle them no problem...with Dorrell coaching!

WTF are we thinkin' now?!!

Geez, I dont want Bellotti. We weren't afraid of him in September. I want a guy who would have worried the living crap out of CTS and the DeWayne and would of given us all fits.

Anyone want to play Tech as our first non-conference game this past season? Think we'd hold 'em to less than 50 points? Think Utah gave us a spanking??

We have been through a lot this year. This has been a gut wrenching year for us Bruin Football fans...we need to have high expectations (higher than Belllotti) and communicate those expectations to anyone who will listen and we need to insist those expectations are met.

by GemCityBruin on Dec 21, 2007 11:36 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

2002

Toledo was coach then

by sausmaf on Dec 21, 2007 12:02 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Dang it

that explains the C- I got in Algebra...

by GemCityBruin on Dec 21, 2007 12:39 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Looks like no Belotti

per media sources in Oregon.

Sign Neuheisel, be done with it, before Walker somehow gathers momentum again.

by bluegold on Dec 21, 2007 11:36 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Belotti is OUT, per Dohn

http://www.dailynews.com/ci_7780133?source=rss

Neuheisel is IN, per me. YES!

by class1984 on Dec 21, 2007 12:12 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Too Bad.

Only one thing we learned. There is no God.

by rfirpo on Dec 21, 2007 12:19 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

So no Belotti, what does this mean?

I think he wants to come down and give it a shot, but knows the smartest thing is for him to stay up there. He's got it great, his facilities are nice, makes a good pay check and will never be fired. He'll become the Joe Paterno of the West Coast, he'll be there 'til he's 98. It was nice while it lasted, but it looks like we're in the same situation we were 24 hours ago.

by TheStick on Dec 21, 2007 12:18 PM PST reply actions 0 recs