Four years after Rick Neuheisel left the University of Washington with his reputation tarnished, the former UCLA quarterback has emerged as a candidate to become coach at his alma mater.
Neuheisel, currently the offensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens, confirmed Wednesday that UCLA has contacted him about replacing the fired Karl Dorrell.
“I have been contacted and, as an alum, I want what’s best for them. And if I can help, I would certainly be excited,” Neuheisel said.
Neuheisel, 46, said coaching the team he led to a Rose Bowl victory in 1984 would be a dream job, “But I want what’s best for them All of us (Bruins) want to see that football program on top.”
Neuheisel, who went 33-14 at the University of Colorado from 1995-98, was an assistant for UCLA from 1986-93.
Other reported candidates for the UCLA job are defensive coordinator DeWayne Walker, the Bruins interim coach for the Las Vegas Bowl against BYU, Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator Norm Chow and Philadelphia Eagles assistant coach John Harbaugh.
Tennessee linebacker needs heart surgery.
Tennessee reserve linebacker Shane Reveiz, son of former NFL kicker Fuad Reveiz, will need surgery to treat an unspecified heart condition.
Florida assistant talking with West Virginia.
Florida assistant coach Doc Holliday met with West Virginia officials about succeeding Rich Rodriguez as coach.
“I went up and talked to them and that’s about the extent of it,” Holliday said. “I have no idea (what the status of the search is), to be honest with you.”
• A misdemeanor battery charge against Florida defensive end Jermaine Cunningham was dropped two weeks after he was arrested for allegedly hitting a restaurant worker with a sandwich and cups.
Sun Devils linebacker out.
Arizona State linebacker Morris Wooten will not play in the Holiday Bowl on Dec. 27 because of an unspecified team rules violation.
