UCLA Hires Mike Tuiasosopo

According to Bruin Sports Report, UCLA has hired Mike Tuiasosopo as the new linebackers/special team coach.  The position was left vacant after Jeff Ulbrich was promoted to Defensive Coordinator following Lou Spanos' return to the NFL.  Tuiasosopo beat out former Bruin linebacker and current San Diego St. assistant coach Tony White for the position.  Many thought White was the front runner for the position.

Tuiasosopo has a connection to Coach Mora, having served a NFL Minority Internship in 1997 while Mora coached defensive backs.  Since that time, he has coached at Utah State, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and, most recently, Colorado.  Tuiasosopo was not retained by Mike MacIntyre when he took over for John Embree at Colorado.  You can read Tuiasosopo's full bio from Colorado here.

The hire is somewhat curious considering that Tuiasosopo has never coached linebackers or special teams in the past.  However, there are legitimate recruiting benefits to the hire.  Tuiasosopo comes from a very football rich family, grew up in Carson, and has recruited the Los Angeles area throughout his career.  Mike is the uncle of former Washington quarterback and UCLA assistant coach Marques Tuiasosopo, which should make for some interesting recruiting visits (Marques currently works for the dark side).

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We'll have more analysis in the coming days as the program formally announces Mike Tuiasosopo to the Bruin staff.  Welcome to Westwood, Coach Tui.