December 29, 2007
Rick Neuheisel: DeWayne Walker My Number 1 Recruit
Here are some answers at the presser from our new head coach Rick Neuheisel, according to Dennis Dodd CBS Sportline:
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."
What about the NCAA violations? "That was certainly part of the initial interview. I wanted to set the record straight; where I had made mistakes, where I had made errors in judgment, what I had learned from that. I took full responsibility … There's the old adage that talk is cheap. You have to walk the walk. I've made it clear … that I am committed to do this 100 percent the right way. You have my absolute unequivocal commitment that this will never happen again."
On coaching at his alma mater: "I've been waiting for a long time. When you get involved in a search, especially one with your alma mater … there's anxious moments but I always believe that UCLA was going to do what was best for UCLA … it made it easier to get some sleep but there were certainly some anxious moments."
On going head-to-head with Pete Carroll: "I have a great deal of respect for coach Carroll. He has done an unbelievable job. I admire what he's built. It's up to us at UCLA now to become the type of rival that when USC and UCLA square off, it's the game of the year."
How have you changed as a coach in the last five years? "The good news is I didn't waste the time. I coached two years at a high school, as a grass-roots reminder of what coaching was all about. Then the last three years, I got to learn in the NFL, basically a graduate school of football. Everything kind of goes up a notch in terms of sophistication. While doing both of those things, I missed Saturdays. I'm elated I not only get to return to Saturdays but do it at my alma mater."
More on NCAA transgressions: "The mistakes I made in Colorado were basically youthful mistakes. I was trying to outhustle the opposition. I just made some silly mistakes. I take full responsibility. Going back the last eight years, you do grow a little wiser if you're paying attention. I still feel like I can be a very effective recruiter, doing it the right way."
On being nicknamed Slick Rick: "Slick Rick is not who I am. It just happens to rhyme with my first name. Sometimes you don't have a real say in how you're termed … some of it I deserve because of the way I went about it in my career."
Dan Guerrero: "Rick's past transgressions very much were an issue for me. The hiring of Rick does not change that core value at all … I firmly believe he embraces this. All of our coaches understand this, all of them get it. In every program in America, you're going to have transgressions."
On a report that Neuheisel guaranteed four donors who would contribute $1 million each to the Pauley Pavilion renovation: "That's not true at all. As you go through this process, you get a lot of feedback from a lot of people. Never in this process was there ever any (hint of) who is threatening to pull donations, I can assure you with the highest degree of confidence."
14 Comments on Rick Neuheisel: DeWayne Walker My Number 1 Recruit
December 29, 2007
Dorrell Hates Me @ 6:06 pm:
Walker should go… it may be in the best interests of both parties.
When an individual like Walker is not selected to the top spot, then that individual should step away and allow the selected candidate the opportunity to build something without having to look over his shoulder. Particularly in this case when the individual had such high hopes and had so many quotes about the position.
Are we surprised Walker talked to Brian first? No. Brian should go to. I don’t value his opinion and is making not like the Daily News. And I have always valued the Daily News over LAT.
Rick should be permitted to select all his staff and not have anyone forced on him by the firm. If he wants Walker and Walker wants to stay, then so be it.
A little advice for Walker and Chow… try getting a Head Coaching job at a smaller school first. Get some experience and then go Head Coach job shopping.
Rick… you are not Jeff Tedford, but you will do. Try to be more like Toledo and not like Donahue. I saw that King Donahue had some words about your hire. They were nice, but now lock him in a closet and don’t let him out. Toledo was a player’s coach, was approachable, took chances and was aggressive in games, had exciting offensive, and was a great recruiter. By the way, don’t let Fields in to close either and keep Coach K. I like his towel waving and work with the kids.
DG you got a good coach with HEAD COACH experience, but your handling of the hire sucked.
DumpDorrell.com has been extremely insightful and entertaining. All those that made comments, thoughts, etc… like About to Puke and the rest were spot on and did a Great Job.
buycker @ 7:37 pm:
Probably better to let Rick bring in his own people.
Lou Holtz was very gracious on ESPN, said Rick was the obvious choice, but Mark May sure didn’t hesitate to rag about the baggage issue. Hmmm. Wonder if he was one of the Walker pushers.
anthony @ 7:50 pm:
Is there a possibility of Norm Chow being considered for OC?
ATP @ 8:29 pm:
Guys, just a note here. A friend in Florida recorded the evening sports on a local radio station and left the recording on my answer machine. It goes like this:
“Good evening, 1270 Sports. Well, UCLA, a school with a storied history in college basketball, has taken a step toward FOOTBALL respectability. Rick Neuheisel, once regarded the “boy wonder” of college football until he ran afoul of NCAA policy wonks, was hired today to help raise The Phoenix from the ashes. Look for the football Bruins to begin making noise on the national scene in a season or two. 1270, the sports source for those who want to hear it first, will have more……..”
I thought it was worth sharing so that others could hear how Neuheisel is thought of in other areas of the country. It seems to me the folks in Florida think Rick is a “big name” coach and they think we hired the right guy.
Once again, thanks to all Bruin brothers for blogging your thoughts, fighting the good fight and keeping the faith. Happy days are ahead.
Louis @ 9:50 pm:
It’s about time. Expect Ucla to improve immediately. Maybe 8-4 or 9-3 next year while the team adjusts to a new coach and staff. By 09 the Pac 10 crown could be ours and a National Championship is at least something it never was under Dorrell; a possibility. Pete Carroll will now get some serious competition on the field and in recruiting. We will get some 5 star recruits now. We only got one under Dorrell in 5 years. By the way, Lou Holtz said a lot of positive things about the hire but his sidekick Mark May may have said the stupidest thing when he remarked that Neuheisel has to recruit against Pete Carroll as though Rick has no chance. What a complete jack ass. No shit sherlock, did you think whoever they hired wasn’t going to have to recruit against Carroll? This A hole no doubt wanted Walker as coach. Let’s remember even Dorrell recruited many 4 star player’s, he just couldn’t coach them to their potential. Neuheisel will coach a lowly 2 star beyond his potential because that is what good coaching can do. Happy day’s are here again. I can’y wait until SC comes to town next year to play at the Rose Bowl. And that 5 game losing streak at the Coliseum will end soon enough. The day’s of being unprepared with injured QB’s or losing to teams you should whip are over baby!
Glenn BRUIN Nicol @ 9:55 pm:
Great job DG! It is easy for everyone else to sit here and judge, but in the end, he made the right hire. RN is a great coach, who can recruit and bring the alumni and former players back into the fold. The only thing better, would be to pull Ken Norton away from USC and give him a big title and alot of responsibility. He should never of been allowed to go to USC (thanks Karl, as long as Norton is at USC you’ll always be linked to that) and he should be brought back to UCLA at all costs………even to Defensive Coordinator if need be over Walker. I really like Walker though and hope he stays. I can’t begrudge him a bit for wanting the job and going for it as hard as he could. However, it is Rick’s team and program now and the days of up and down seasons and heartbreaking losses to Utah and a crappy Florida State team are over. He is one guy who can compete against Pete Carroll in the living rooms of these recruits and he will get this program on the national scene within a few years. I am so pumped about this hire. Great job DG, I knew you wouldn’t let us down.
buycker @ 10:01 pm:
Thanks Louis, I was trying to be diplomatic about Mark May, but I think you just about covered my sentiments!
DumpDorrell @ 10:15 pm:
ATP thank you for that report … great to hear!!
J.J. @ 10:27 pm:
my fellow Bruins! doesn’t it feel great to know that we will now have a coach that will have a great offense,can recruit,will have our teams prepared,and most of all!!! in the national rankings and National championship hunt!!?? WithNeuhiesel and Walker as D.C. the rest of the nation better take notice! and I look for us to upset a top ten Tennesse team! note to Neuhiesel:recruit black quarterbacks like michael vick or mobile quarterbacks like tim tebow! GO BRUINS!! UCLA FIGHT,FIGHT,FIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Scott @ 11:19 pm:
Congrats to Rick! I could not be more pleased with his hiring. I wanted him hired when Donahue retired…
Mark May is a classless no talent hack commentator…
December 30, 2007
John F @ 12:16 am:
Rick is back! Rick is back! Rick is back! Rick is back! Rick is back! Rick is back! ATP is back! Rick is back! Rick is back!
BuckeyeBruin @ 1:02 am:
Mark May is a complete jerkoff. Ohio State and UCLA are my favorite teams (duh), and he bashes both. He NEVER has a kind word for Ohio State, and it was all I could do to not bust the TV when he was bagging on UCLA for hiring Neu today. Thank goodness for Lou Holtz!
This is the first time I’ve felt excited about UCLA football since we beat SC last year. Go Bruins! I’m happy to eat crow about DG if this works out like it should.
What about a DD party/happy hour? A good place to meet is The Happy Ending sports bar on Sunset–plenty of room.
UCLABRU1 @ 3:19 am:
Thank you Dan Guerrero for reminding us all why you are the man!
Thank you DD for keeping me sane throughout this search!
And what a happy New Year it will be!
GO BRUINS!!!
ATP, I’d love to talk sports with you any day, if you write on any other blogs I’d love to know which one. Thanks.
BruinFamily @ 3:20 am:
Buckeye - I think that’s an awesome idea - invite RN too! But keep the invites to DD and BN posters only.