With time running short, UCLA narrows its search to replace Chip Kelly

Could Stanford coach Troy Taylor end up with the job at UCLA? (Jed Jacobsohn / Associated Press)

UCLA has cast a wide net in its hopes of reeling in the big one for its next football coach.

Athletics officials have corresponded with more than a dozen potential candidates for the vacancy created by the departure of Chip Kelly to become Ohio State’s offensive coordinator, according to one person familiar with the search process who was not authorized to discuss the details publicly.

Among those UCLA is believed to have had contact with who remain possible candidates are Nebraska defensive coordinator Tony White, Las Vegas Raiders running backs coach DeShaun Foster and Stanford coach Troy Taylor.

The search committee also is expected to have possible interest in Cleveland Browns tight ends coach and pass game specialist Tommy Rees and Baltimore Ravens special teams coordinator Chris Horton.

Among those whom UCLA athletics officials are believed to have corresponded with who are no longer in the running are Minnesota’s P.J. Fleck and Arizona’s Brent Brennan.

Read more: Plaschke: In leaving UCLA, Chip Kelly runs a selfish sneak

Brennan is expected to remain at Arizona and Fleck appeared to affirm his commitment to his current school Saturday with a post on the social media platform X, saying that he was honored to be the coach at Minnesota and was “Ready for an ELITE 2024 season!!”

Significant movement toward a hire could come as soon as Monday. UCLA athletic director Martin Jarmond said Friday afternoon he was hoping to name a new coach within 96 hours, which would be Tuesday.

The Bruins have incentive to name a coach as quickly as possible to help keep their roster intact because players have only 30 days upon a coaching change to enter their names in the transfer portal.

DeShaun Foster appears to be a candidate for the…


Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/time-running-short-ucla-narrows-022439406.html

Author : LA Times

Publish date : 2024-02-12 02:24:39

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