https://www.foxsports.com/stories/colleg...penn-state

Amid the avalanche of criticism we've all been heaping on the old UCLA coaches and on Franklin, I think it's worth mentioning that Jerry Neuheisel had something to do with this UCLA win the other day.

What did Neuheisel have to say about his rapport with QB Nico Iamaleava?

After getting outscored 125-57 in their first four games, Iamaleava and the Bruins finally found a rhythm with Neuheisel calling the shots. And the OC made sure to highlight his quarterback's poise and preparation.

"His understanding, his willingness to do the extra work, to learn the game plan, and then go coach the guys when he was not in practice the other day. He is special, special," Neuheisel said.

He also explained how the game plan came together, and how crucial it was to keep Penn State's premier defense on its toes.

"I think what we were trying to do was try to get a game plan together where the guys could feel confident," he said. "We know with how special they are on defense and as a team, we were going to have to do different things to try to be able to throw them off. And I thought our guys went out and executed the game plan as well as we possibly could.

If a coach's job is to put his players in the best possible position to have a chance to win, which seems like a pretty good description of the job, then that OC job that Neuheisel gave on Saturday has to go down in the Pantheon of great clutch performances by a coach.

Apparently, he had an offer from Mora to come to UConn over the summer but decided to stay at UCLA.

https://www.ctinsider.com/sports/article...t=MA%3D%3D

According to a report from The Athletic, Neuheisel had the opportunity to become the UConn offensive coordinator under Mora this offseason. Ultimately, Neuheisel elected to remain loyal to his alma mater, and the Huskies remained with 2024 Broyles Award nominee Gordon Sammis as offensive coordinator.

Jerry Neuheisel spent a year at Texas A&M in 2017 in his first coaching job as a quality control coach to OC Noel Mazzone, who was his OC at UCLA. He got hired by Chip Kelly as an offensive assistant in 2018. Chip called him a "really good young football coach who has a bright future." Jim Mora offered Neuheisel the OC job at UConn, but Jerry did not want to leave UCLA. Mora was Neuheisel's head coach at UCLA.

Noel Mazzone was hired this past week as an offensive analyst for UCLA and was there helping Neuheisel at the Penn State game. At UCLA from 2018 through 2023, Neuheisel spent six seasons just soaking up everything he could about Offensive football from Chip. Neuheisel wanted the UCLA OC job after Chip left, but Foster would not give it to him. Interim head coach Tim Skipper did give him the opportunity.

Jerry Neuheisel bleeds blue & gold. He was born at UCLA Medical Center, his parents both graduated from UCLA, where his father was a star and head coach, and he played at UCLA. He brings a lot of energy to the team, which was lacking in the first four games. He is also a good high school recruiter and well-liked by SoCal high school coaches.

Rick Neuhisel was UCLA's former coach and is currently on CBS's halftime show. They had him talking to Brad and Gary during the game about his son.

Max Browne's channel is one I strongly recommend for the deep dive CFB fan. Here is his breakdown of the PSU - UCLA game, going over why Neuheisel is such a good OC from about the 8:30 point onward.

(10-09-2025 10:45 PM)Stugray2 Wrote:  Max Browne's channel is one I strongly recommend for the deep dive CFB fan. Here is his breakdown of the PSU - UCLA game, going over why Neuheisel is such a good OC from about the 8:30 point onward.

First drive, 11 plays, 10 different formations. There was no way that PSU could have anticipated such a radical departure for UCLA from their previous play calling, or even from what Nico did last year at UT. Magnificent.

Official Assistant Coach of Full Ride, weekdays from 8-11 CT on SiriusXM. Hosted by Chris Childers and Jerry's dad Rick.

(10-07-2025 12:55 PM)SoCalBobcat78 Wrote:  Jerry Neuheisel spent a year at Texas A&M in 2017 in his first coaching job as a quality control coach to OC Noel Mazzone, who was his OC at UCLA. He got hired by Chip Kelly as an offensive assistant in 2018. Chip called him a "really good young football coach who has a bright future." Jim Mora offered Neuheisel the OC job at UConn, but Jerry did not want to leave UCLA. Mora was Neuheisel's head coach at UCLA.

Noel Mazzone was hired this past week as an offensive analyst for UCLA and was there helping Neuheisel at the Penn State game. At UCLA from 2018 through 2023, Neuheisel spent six seasons just soaking up everything he could about Offensive football from Chip. Neuheisel wanted the UCLA OC job after Chip left, but Foster would not give it to him. Interim head coach Tim Skipper did give him the opportunity.

Jerry Neuheisel bleeds blue & gold. He was born at UCLA Medical Center, his parents both graduated from UCLA, where his father was a star and head coach, and he played at UCLA. He brings a lot of energy to the team, which was lacking in the first four games. He is also a good high school recruiter and well-liked by SoCal high school coaches.

Jerry is literally the best coach UCLA could ever hope for. If he's successful he will probably never jump ship for another college gig, NFL maybe, other than that he'll stay in LA.