In his five seasons at UCLA, Dorrell had a 35-27 record. The Bruins' 2007 season ended with a 6-6 record after Saturday's 24-7 loss to USC.
The Los Angeles Times has reported Boise State coach Chris Peterson is believed to be AD Dan Guerrero's first choice to succeed Dorrell. Texas Tech coach Mike Leach and former NFL coach Steve Mariucci are also believed to be top candidates.
Don't know if Dienhart is right, but this is the first actual, definitive report I've read
Update:
Brian Dohn reports that Dorrell was fired this morning. Everything is still from unnamed sources and no official word at this point.
Update 2 ESPN's Joe Schad reports:
"This was a very difficult decision for me," said Guerrero. "Karl has represented this program with dignity and class. He is a true Bruin and I respect what he has accomplished in his five years as our head coach, particularly off the field. But, at the end of the day, the focus has to be on results and I felt that a change was in the best interest for the future of our program."
A national search for a new head coach will begin immediately.
Dorrell, 43, has compiled a record of 35-27 in his five years as head coach, including a 6-6 record this season.
STATEMENT FROM Karl Dorrell
"I want to thank Dan Guerrero for the opportunity to coach at my alma mater. I know that the program is in much better shape than when I inherited it and I believe that it is ready to flourish.
"I am proud of what the program accomplished during my five years, especially in the areas of academics, citizenship and recruiting. I think a great foundation has been laid and I will be pulling for the young men I recruited into the program to be successful in the future.
"I want to thank all of the players, coaches and staff for their efforts in building our program. They always worked hard, both on and off the field, no matter what adversity we faced, and I want them to know how much I appreciate them."