Welcome Home Coach Neuheisel

by Nestor on Dec 29, 2007 10:18 PM PST in Football

As I mentioned earlier on Saturday, I am traveling early this am. But I couldn't go to sleep without getting in my fill of Neuheisel stories. And I thought I'd share what I read with rest of you. So this is a very quick roundup. So one more time:

WELCOME HOME COACH NEUHEISEL:

Photo credit: Stuart Wong / Associated Press (via the LA Times)

Yeap, that was Coach Neuheisel back in 1996 with CU after he was done demolishing Belloti's Quacks in the Cotton Bowl. BTW Coach Neuheisel is 4-1 against Mike Bellotti. Just thought I drop that note in there.

Anyway here are some of today's clips to get you started. From the LA Times:

As a head coach in college, Neuheisel amassed a record of 66-30 in eight seasons, four at Colorado and four at Washington. His teams went to seven bowl games and won four. (Colorado later was forced to forfeit five victories for NCAA violations.)

"Rick has enjoyed great success throughout his career and we believe he is the coach who can take our program to the next level," Athletic Director Dan Guerrero said in a statement. "His teams at Colorado and Washington continually challenged for conference championships and national rankings and that is what we are looking to do at UCLA.

"Rick is an outstanding coach and recruiter. He is outgoing and personable and can motivate our players, fans and supporters. We believe he is well equipped to lead the program and attain the success all Bruin fans wish to achieve."

"I know there are some issues in Rick's past that concern our constituency. We have discussed those at length with Rick and have investigated those issues with the NCAA. It has been at least five years and, in some cases, more than 10 years since the incidents occurred. We believe Rick has learned from those incidents and that he is more mature and experienced in the areas of compliance."

Let's follow that up with Dohn in the DN, who sounds like a gilted gf:

Neuiheisel, the offensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens, will be introduced at a Monday press conference.

Also, sources said defensive coordinator DeWayne Walker, one of the finalists for the job, is leaning toward staying with the program, which could be a coup considering he was the mastermind behind a strong recruiting class. He has a two-year offer from Washington to be the defensive coordinator.

Athletic director Dan Guerrero said he wanted a head coach with experience, and he gets one in Neuheisel, who spent eight years as leading the programs at Colorado and Washington.

Of course Walker is now leaning towards staying. So much for all the threat. For his part Coach Neuheisel is taking the classy route. From Dennis Dodd of Sportsline.com (via DumpDorrell.com):

Have you talked to defensive coordinator DeWayne Walker? I have told Dan that DeWayne Walker is my No. 1 recruit. I was very, very impressed with the defense he played the last couple of years. I know he's coveted. I know he's a sought-after guy. It's important we do everything to make him feel welcome

I also thought this bit from Dodd is interesting to say the least:

I told you (and apparently Danny G) about this two weeks ago. Neuheisel was the best and only hire UCLA could make at this point; an alum to rally everyone (boosters, fans, players) back to battle stations, because at last check that dynasty crosstown was wiping the floor with Bruin blood.

More positive feedback from RealFootball365.com:

UCLA gains a proven head coach of major college football programs with an outstanding record of success on the field. He should be a huge shot in the arm to QBs Pat Cowan and Ben Olson in their senior year in Westwood. UCLA supporters are divided over this hire, but once the Bruins begin winning consistently, Neuheisel's detractors will fade into the shadows.

Also the same kind note from Pete Fiutak of collegefootballnews.com:

Forget about all the problems and all the past issues; Neuheisel has paid his penance and should've been coaching at a major program long ago instead of serving as the quarterbacks coach for the Baltimore Ravens over the last three years. He knows how to win, he knows how to be successful, and he knows how to coach. More importantly for UCLA at the moment, he's knows UCLA and is the type of hire who'll get the crowd moving.

Unlike Bo Pelini at Nebraska and Mike Sherman at Texas A&M, Neuheisel is a proven winner who'll be able to go toe-to-toe with USC when it comes to recruiting, and he'll be able to win his share of big-time battles for talent. Just as important to a fan base tired of being in the backseat when it comes to USC on the sports pages, Neuheisel will be able to handle the attention and the spotlight as one of the few coaches in America who can match up with Carroll when it comes to media relations and public relations. The days of the stoic Karl Dorrell are over.

Pete does take a cheap baseless shot wrt Sam Gilbert, which we will deal with another day. But can't really disagree with those comments on RN. On that note let's round it up with the OC Register:

"I am thrilled to be returning to my alma mater as its head coach," said Neuheisel. "UCLA is a special place and I want to thank Dan Guerrero and Chancellor (Gene) Block for the opportunity to come home. We are going to build a program our supporters will be proud of, both on and off the field. I can't wait to get started. I made some mistakes earlier in my career and I take responsibility for those mistakes. I have learned from that experience and I would never do anything that would reflect negatively on UCLA."

Neuheisel, 46, spent the last three seasons as an assistant coach for the NFL's Baltimore Ravens. He served as quarterbacks coach in 2005 and 2006 and in January of 2007, was promoted to offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach. With the Ravens, he worked with quarterbacks Kyle Boller, Steve McNair and, most recently, 2006 Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith.

During his four seasons (1999-2002) as head coach at the University of Washington, Neuheisel led the Huskies to a record of 33-16 (.673) and four bowl games (one Rose Bowl, two Holiday Bowls and one Sun Bowl). His Pac-10 record was 23-9 (.719) and Washington won one league title and finished second twice in those four seasons. The Husky offense averaged over 390 yards per game in each season, topped by 420.7 in 2002 (17th in the nation) and 407.9 in 2000 (35th).

Let me summ up those three grafs one more time: Bruins are getting a coach who has 8 years of experience of head coach at high D-1 level and three years of high level coordinator experience in the pros. In other words this is not exactly the hiring of a Farmer, Hazzard, Lavin, Toledo or Karl Dorrell. This is a little difference.

Also here is the quickfire AP recap.

I am sure there will be lot more to chew over in the coming days. But I am just happy and relieved Dan Guerrero and Gene Block made the right choice among their final choices.

As mentioned up top, I will be traveling most of the day. But I will try to sneak in and put up a special post from Bruin Blue sometime tomorrow. Enjoy

GO BRUINS.

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Comments

now no more envy when RN wins

It always ate at me when RN would win and have success and I knew it should have been with the Bruins instead of the Buffs or the Huskies. Now we have him. Good news all around.

Will ucla reach he heights of SUC? No, of course not. But what they have accomplished in the last 6 years has been unprecedented. They were fortunate and very very good. It has been painful to watch. They cannot, nor can any team, continue at such a torrid rate. Pom pom will be gone by next year to the NFL.

No one should expect national champions or pac 10 champs every year. We should expect to be in the national discussion every year, and have a realistic shot at a BCS birth late in every season. And we should expect the not too infrequent top 5 bcs ranking. There will be rose bowls and bcs bowls in our near future. With some good fortune, a title game as well.

by cmcbruin on Dec 29, 2007 10:18 PM PST reply actions

Next year

We will set our own expectations for next year. Keep in mind Dohn is already on record saying next year the new UCLA coach will find it challenging to put together a 6 win season. So you know he will not be in any place to raise expectations.

We will calibrate our expectations in due time. However, we will give Coach RN the same breathing room we gave to Coach Howland.

For now though let's take this in. Its a nice feeling to finally feel optimistic about UCLA football. I am pretty excited.

by Nestor on Dec 29, 2007 10:21 PM PST up reply actions

6 wins?

I don't know if i can handle another 6 win season. As long as we are competitive, and win the games that we are supposed to win(Utah), I will be happy.

by joeb @ Bruins Nation on Dec 30, 2007 12:11 AM PST up reply actions

Dohn's predictions...

What did he predict for the 2007 season? We had 20 returning starters and, IIRC, Morgan Center indicated that a 10-win season was expected - but I don't recall Dohn's prediction. Since I haven't seen the 08 schedule I can't parse the potential for wins, but I suspect that RN, with the talent that ES and DWW have assembled, will get at least 6 wins.

Plaschke's pendulum, OTOH, is swinging between success and failure, dwelling on RN's real, or imagined, transgressions, and how tenuous Rick's position is:

"The biggest issue there was that, when asked about his involvement in the pool, he initially lied, something which is not tolerated in this town, not even when talking about the health of your quarterback."

Of course, we won't bother to delve too deep into the alleged misadventures of another football program in Los Angeles, along with the admonition that lying won't be tolerated there either...

Ah, victory. I love the smell of burning newsprint in the morning.

Success is the best revenge. Get your revenge, Rick.

UCLA - the finest public university in the world

by SecondGenBruin on Dec 30, 2007 7:47 AM PST up reply actions

Research needed

You know that Doh! and his ilk are going to take it as a personal affront that DG didn't hire DyNoMite after all they had done to push that candidacy. It is also likely, in my opinion, that they will be quick to criticize Coach Neuheisel and quick to accuse BN of being two-faced if Coach Neuheisel doesn't start off 7-0.

I think it would be wise to assign some of the junior associates to go into the archizes of these gurus and find what their predictions for next year were. I'm sure there are pre-season apologies for DyNoMite, saying that no one could expect X wins next year with a depleted team. I think it would be prudent to have these quotes on hand to shove down Doh!'s throat when he starts taking shots next season.

My excuse for volunteering others to do it is two-fold. First, I'm not a particularly good researcher in this context. Second, my stomach is strong enough to read a lot of Doh!'s stuff.

by Fox 71 on Dec 30, 2007 8:46 PM PST up reply actions

Two Words: Reggie Bush

Does anyone know when the Reggie Bush exposé will hit the fan? I heard that a tell-all book will be coming out and there will be a lot of back-pedaling by the Heisman people and the U. of Soiled Condoms which might drive ol' Pom Pom back into the waiting arms of the NFL.

Would be nice to see those guys return to their halcyon days of Tollner/Smith/Hackett/Robo consortium.

by whp68 on Dec 30, 2007 9:05 AM PST up reply actions

Rick on Channel 2's Sports Report

So I got back to the TV during the Jim Hill/Phil Hartman/Eric Dickerson sports report on CBS following the Pats Giants game, in the middle of a live conversation they were having with Rick.

I missed the beginning of the conversation, but the minute or so that I caught, I was just blown away by Rick's ability to handle the press, joke around with them, etc. Such a stark contrast to that of KD.

Obviously, this means nothing if Rick doesn't prepare his team properly and bring the W's on Saturdays, but still, it's just extremely pleasing to not have to deal with the bullsh-t cliche press conferences anymore.

by TheTJCummingsEra on Dec 29, 2007 10:36 PM PST reply actions

Next year

Really isn't about wins and losses for me. I don't expect 10 wins, and I don't expect eight losses. I expect the team to play smart, keep the penalties at a minimum, show development throughout the year, and show some modicum of consistency.

And I expect the coach to not look like a deer in the headlights, not punt on fourth and one at the other team's 45 yard line, and not kick field goals when touchdowns are needed to win games.

by Sweetbreads Bailey on Dec 29, 2007 10:54 PM PST reply actions

Nestor is correct

in stating we need to give Neuheisel some breathing room. Losing almost all of your starters on both sides of the ball has to be a difficult place for a new coach to start. The expectations need to be reasonable and I'm hoping they will be. I'm a little nervous about Rick's lying and past infractions, but it's the start of a new era in bruinland. I'm anxiously awaiting to see who comes in as OC and what the new offensive system will look like. I'm hearing different opinions on his recruiting ability. Now being in LA, I'm hoping he can give cheaty Peety some competition.

by Bruins095 on Dec 29, 2007 11:29 PM PST reply actions

I know how you guys feel about Walker

But I for one hope he stays. I agree with coach Neuheisel that the first thing he needs to do is retain Walker for next season.

by joeb @ Bruins Nation on Dec 29, 2007 11:48 PM PST reply actions

I'll say this much...

I'm very happy with DeWayne Walker as DC. I know Nestor and the gang aren't the biggest fans, and that they resent the Dohn/Walker power play (as do I), but I think DeWayne Walker has done a fine job as DC, has done an admirable job with defensive recruits, and is an asset. I would be exceedingly happy if DW stayed on as Defensive Coordinator, and even more thrilled if Eric Scott stayed on.

Yes, Scott has had his legal problems...But he has worked hard to make amends and has done well by the UCLA program.

Today, I'm just very happy that Rick Neuheisel has been given the opportunity to come home and give his all. I believe in his talent, enthusiasm, charisma, and dedication to UCLA athletics. That doesn't mean, however, that I'm willing to denegrate DeWayne Walker. I believe, should he choose to stay on, that DeWayne would be an asset to the program.

I'm just very happy today. Happy for Rick, happy for the alumni, and happy for fans of UCLA.

by Sweetbreads Bailey on Dec 30, 2007 12:12 AM PST up reply actions

DW has always been about potential

He didn't do the miracle job his backers said he did, and this is backed up extensively thanks to Class of 66, but he didn't do an awful job either. As I have always said: IF Neu TRULY wants him on staff, then I am fine with it. I don't believe the Doh!n/DW's brother smear campaign against him will wipe away so easily though, and that needs to be addressed.

As for Eric Scott, well, I don't believe he did a very good job this year. Forget his transgressions, if we are looking squarely at job performance, I saw way too many dropped passes this year for me to believe that he was doing an adequate job as the receivers coach. Same principle applies though. If Neu sees something in Scott that I don't see, then fine. Coach N should be free to pick his own staff.

DW still has much to prove in my eyes as a DC, and Scott has even more to prove.

by Tydides on Dec 30, 2007 12:31 AM PST up reply actions

Disagree

I don't like how Scott's past was overlooked. That is a boo-boo that UCLA must take responsibility for as well as KD. I do agree that ES has a lot to prove. All coaches need to start somewhere. UCLA should never be a training ground again for coaches. ES got a HUGE break getting this gig with his limited experience. The man has been clean since his transgressions. I don't belief in labeling people one way or the other for mistakes in the past as long as the individual has learned from it and his conduct reflects it. Whether you like it or not, ES has been clean so it is a moot issue to me. Coaches can only coach so much. The players need to take what they've been taught and apply it on the field. Dropped passes are on the players and not ES. We've had dropped passing issue before ES ever was the WR coach. I also believe that the offense had something to do with it as well. Too many times, the players don't know where to line up or what to do. What does this mean? The verdict is still up on ES as a WR coach. Nothing more and nothing less.

I wanted Petersen or Johnson but I am 100% behind RN. I honestly believe that he KNOWS what we need to achieve success. His comments show me that he is aware of peoples concerns with his prior history and he has been quoting as taking full responsibility without trying to pass the buck to some other reason. I have ZERO reservations that he will slip. Yes, people can fall back to their old ways but people can also become better through their mistakes as well.

This is an exciting time for UCLA football. I am just happy that I can fully support this program instead of having conflicting emotions. It is going to take time but we'll talk about it another time. Happy New Year all!

by BlueReign on Dec 30, 2007 1:23 AM PST up reply actions

Whether I like it or not?

If you've got an axe to grind regarding ES's criminal history, that's on you because I didn't bring it up at all.

I just don't see how you can laud Neu for taking full responsibility for his prior actions (something I also applaud him for) and make excuses for ES's underperforming unit. If catching the ball isn't his responsibility, then what exactly are his responsibilities? We used to have a receiving unit, even under KD, that could at least hold onto the ball. In fact, during the 2004 season, before the DO/MJD/Lewis breakout season, DO would fling balls all over the field, leaving our receivers to make some rather spectacular grabs. Let's have ES take some responsibility for his unit's underwhelming performance this year and hope that, if Neu decides to give him a second chance to show some improvement, he takes full advantage of it.

by Tydides on Dec 30, 2007 2:06 AM PST up reply actions

I am so happy about this.

And... that I can start buying football tickets again.

by UCngLA on Dec 29, 2007 11:50 PM PST reply actions

Would be interesting to see..

..how the season ticket sales go. To reiterate this for the 134th time (sorry, Nestor), the season ticket sales last year spiked by over 10,000 to approx. 75,000 per game -- attributed to the promising year and some 10-15,000 being sold to Notre Dame fans. It has been said that next year's schedule is relative crap on toast:

08/30 Fresno St Bulldogs
09/06 Tennessee Volunteers
09/13 at BYU Cougars
09/27 Arizona Wildcats
10/04 Washington State Cougars
10/11 at Oregon Ducks
10/18 Stanford Cardinal
10/25 at California Bears
11/08 Oregon State Beavers
11/15 at Washington Huskies
11/22 at Arizona State Sun Devils
12/06 University of Soiled Condoms

Nothing stellar with the exception of Tennessee. It would be informative if the sales crater or merely decline slightly. As I recall, sales tanked in Toledo's last year/Dorrell's first year.

by whp68 on Dec 30, 2007 9:18 AM PST up reply actions

Excited...

I for one wasn't around for any of Neuheisal (Class of 2006) but reading about him and seeing him makes me EXTREMELY excited for the upcoming years of football.

Compared to all the other choices we had, this guy has won more than all of them (June Jones, Belotti, et al). All of them have had question marks, the only one about Neuheisal was has he learned his lesson. And to hear him comment about knowing how important running the ball is, after the knock on him being his teams are pass happy/not tough, is comforting in that it seems he has learned something.

By the way, can anyone fill me in on who Sam Gilbert really is? I only know of him through baseless shots like that and a mention in the HBO documentary? Thanks.

by kidro2001 on Dec 30, 2007 12:13 AM PST reply actions

Gilbert

The bare bones basics re. him, as I understand:

Sam Gilbert was a wealthy contractor (?) in the Valley, who in true LA fashion supported UCLA basketball and U$C Football. In respect to UCLA, he was a booster who allegedly provided benefits to particular players (or steered them toward those who would do so). My understanding (please correct me if I am wrong on this) is that he was officially disassociated from the program in the late 1970's due to the above concerns; as far as the Wooden era, from what I have gathered, Wooden knew of him, and advised his players not to accept gifts/favors from him, advice that not all players necessarily took.

by bruinhoo on Dec 30, 2007 12:50 AM PST up reply actions

Sam Gilbert

I am probably stealing some of Nestor's thunder who promised a treatise on Sam Gilbert later; my apologies.

In any event, there is a remnant left over from a moribund student internet project that provides some insight into Sam himself and his relation to UCLA basketball. Below is an excerpt:

Sam was known to push the NCAA rules to the limit. If a player did not have money for books, he would arrange for the books to be purchased and delivered to the player. If a player needed an apartment, Sam always knew of an available one. Sam helped the players find the best deals on anything they needed.

Many people around the college basketball world have argued that Sam Gilbert committed infractions far worse than those above. Former Long Beach State and UNLV basketball coach Jerry Tarkanian has stated how he believes that the only team in Los Angeles with a higher payroll than the Bruins in the 1960s and 1970s was the Lakers. Tarkanian, along with a slew of others, believe that Gilbert provided the players with cash, cars, and whatever else they needed. Tarkanian's program at UNLV came under suspicion of NCAA rule infractions and he constantly brought up that UCLA never faced as much pressure from the NCAA in regards to Sam Gilbert's supposed infractions as his program did because John Wooden was untouchable. It was often noted that John Wooden knew that his players hung out at Sam Gilbert's house but he had no personal relationship with Sam himself.

In 1981, the UCLA basketball program was placed on probation and UCLA was ordered to disassociate Sam Gilbert from the recruiting process. UCLA was told to disassociate Gilbert from the recruiting process because his name was used to co-sign a loan for a player's car along with several other infractions.

This is far from authoritative but is reasonably accurate. Further research and investigation is heartily recommended.

by whp68 on Dec 30, 2007 9:30 AM PST up reply actions