UCLA football coach Chip Kelly announced that three of his assistant coaches received updated titles on Monday.
The announcement might indicate that Kelly, who was reportedly a potential offensive coordinator candidate for the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders and Washington Commanders (positions that have now been filled), is remaining in Westwood for the 2024 season.
Kelly will continue to serve as his own offensive coordinator and play-caller but provided that coaches Tim Drevno (offensive line) and Jerry Neuheisel (wide receivers) will have new titles as coordinators.
Drevno will serve as the running game coordinator while wide receiver coach Jerry Neuheisel will coordinate the Bruins’ passing game.
Assistant head coach Brian Norwood was listed as the passing game coordinator in 2023. Norwood is expected to continue as the safeties coach.
Cornerbacks coach Kodi Whitfield will continue his defensive role but also add the title of special teams coordinator.
“Tim, Jerry and Kodi are versatile coaches who bring different, valuable perspectives to our coaching staff,” Kelly said in a statement. “They will continue to be tremendous assets for our players and me going forward.”
It was not disclosed if the trio was given a financial increase along with the new titles but the added roles could be viewed as a level of stability among the staff after Kelly’s coaching staff had already been reshuffled this offseason.
Kelly made several significant hires this offseason, including moving Ikaika Malloe to defensive coordinator and adding Akron offensive coordinator Billy Fessler as quarterbacks coach last month.
Malloe was promoted after serving as the defensive line/outside linebackers coach last season. He was special teams coordinator and defensive line coach when he was initially hired by Kelly in 2022. A staff member was not listed with the special teams role for the 2023 season.
Kelly also hired Tony Washington Jr. and Darren Uscher away from…
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