Deseret News | UCLA interested in Bronco

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UCLA interested in Bronco

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hahahaha... | 12:57 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

maybe when he can beat a team out of the MWC he can be taken serious. Bronco is a joke... on the highest level

SeattleCougarBlue | 1:23 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

You can thank Craig Thompson if Bronco even considers going to UCLA. The Cougars have a better football program than UCLA but with the lack of exposure due the MTN TV deal it's going to continue to get more difficult for BYU and other MWC teams to recruit quality athletes. The top notch guys want to play and be seen on TV... that's an important tool to taking their game to the next level. I truly think Bronco is a BYU guy and if the MWC had a TV deal that was at least as good as what they had with ESPN prior to the MTN then Bronco wouldn't even consider leaving BYU. He realizes that BYU could be the "Gonzaga" of college football.

But... Craig Thompson has the MWC going down the same road as his former conference... The Sun Belt. I'm not sure any MWC coach wants to playing at that level of competition in the next 2-4 years. And that's where the MWC will be with the level of exposure they get with the MTN. I can't blame Bronco if he doesn't want to be around to see that.

Dave | 1:29 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

Unless there's outrageously big money involved, Bronco shouldn't even consider this move, since his BYU (in the next two years) will have a better chance than anyone in the country to win a National Championship! UCLA has no chance, Bronco or no Bronco.

Comments continue below

Ore Coug | 2:14 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

I believe it is more a way for UCLA, or ESPN trying to help UCLA, to drop the confidence level of BYU players to try and gain an edge. That is if the BYU players think Bronco would consider leaving, not likely. Bronco is upfront and honest to his players and they will see this for what it is, an attempted distraction.

Yes Bronco has been successful, and will most likely continue, but his success is the result of strategy applied to a situation. In the situation of BYU it works well but I do not think it would work at UCLA. Bronco could adapt his strategy, but success is hard to replicate by adaptation. Just look at business and you will see several examples of this failure.

Max | 5:39 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

Bronco would be a fool not to take this opportunity if it were granted. Very impressive to even be considered for such a position!

Elsabio | 6:18 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

hahahaha proves the intellect of the parameciam is alive and well. BYU vs Arizona, 2007. The score was in favor of the Y, and Arizona is not a MWC team. Also to denigrate Bronco as a joke is another exhibit of irrational ignorance...on the highest level.

Are you serious? | 6:37 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

Dave, Please tell me you arent serious when you say that BYU has a better chance than anyone to will the NC in the next two years. Just because BYU has a patsy schedule for the next few years does not automatically make them NC Contenders. I dont think there is a person in the country (outside of utah county) that thinks BYU would have a prayer against the likes of USC, Oklahoma, Michigan, LSU, OSU, Georgia, Florida.... you get the picture.

I like to see BYU win, but this is exactly why people laugh at BYU and MWC fans. It is the unreal perception of the dominance of their program. After Hawaii gets beat up this year by Georgia it will be even harder for a non BCS conference team to be a BCS buster.

Son of Helaman | 6:45 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

I wonder if the stories from the BOM would motivate the Bruins? I think Bronco and the rest of the Cougars faithful are underestimating the ability of UCLA to hire a football coach. Norm and Bronco would most definitely be in over their heads.

joe | 6:51 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

Interviewing for coaching positions,when one is allready a college head coach, has almost always proven to be a disruptive and demoralizing experience for the "sought after coaches" players, fans and university. Hopefully, Bronco will resist bringing this situation on the byu sports community. At least not until he has a bona fide offer on the table.

Belgie | 6:58 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

"Are you serious?" - I agree that BYU has almost no chance to win a NC in the next 2 years. But, BYU should be at or near the level of most of the teams you mentioned. Utah and BSU have proven that good non-BCS teams can still compete on the national scene. BYU has had early season struggles the past two years, but almost everybody agrees that they haven't been the same team at the end of the season as they were at the beginning. If they can avoid those same early-season problems, BYU should be the class of the "mid-majors" for the foreseeable future.

Do it! | 7:15 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

You've gotta think of your family Bronco. BYU has always been known to extremeely underpay their coaches. He would probably double or triple his current income if he went to UCLA. His assistants would double or triple their pay as well. He would also have the awesome chance to see what REAL elite athletes could do with his defensive "system" with real defensive backs.

He would have athletes 3 deep at his disposal at every position and the chance to play for a national championship if they run the table or have one loss. BYU will never have that opportunity unless they schedule two or three BCS conference contenders every year. Sure they could go to a BCS bowl if undefeated while playing pansies, but NEVER a national championship.

Belgie & Dave? Serious? | 7:30 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

The think that always makes me chuckle about byu fans is they think the byu program is more respected at a National level than it is. Yes, byu is a great mid-major program. It may be the best of the non-big boys. However, No one cares about MWC Championships outside the borders of this conference. Most people think Utah and Byu are still in the WAC at a Nat'l level. Spend some time outside of Utah and take note of how often you hear about byu football. Furthermore, a huge mistake is made in thinking byu can compete consistently on a Nat'l level with the big boys. Florida, Ohio St., LSU, USC, etc. play quality teams every week within their own conferences. Byu does not have that opportunity. Therefore, losses to teams like Tulsa immediately look really bad without a chance for redemption. Last of all, look at where the MWC sends its conference champion. That is a good indication of how well the nation respects this conference. It puts the conference champion on par with a dead in the water Pac-10 team.

Posts | 7:33 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

Man, if I'm thinking about taking a job for more $$ in So. Cal, but am in the middle of creating something that I think is special, the first thing I would do is run a look at a blog at the DMN to see what all of the computer geeks think to help me make my decision...

Re: Do it! | 7:40 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

You're about a decade late in your thinking. College football is becoming more competitive because of the scholarship limits that have been in effect for quite awhile now.

Years ago the top BCS teams could cubby-hole talent three deep, but not any more. That's why the BCS bowl matchups have been so messed up lately, especially this year. Parity is happening in college football.

If it weren't for the BCS itself causing the cream of the crop giving top BCS teams maybe 1.5 deep in talent, the mid-major schools would be even more competitive. BYU is at least 1 deep in top talent, which is why it has been so competitive the past two years.

BYU is well on its way to becoming a BCS buster year after year as long as Bronco sticks around. He' proven himself to be the real deal. His record speaks for itself.

Nice try, "Do it!" Ute fan.

No National Championship | 7:45 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

Being the "class of the mid-majors" does not, and will never, get any team to the national championship. Utah and Boise State proved that they will let mid-majors go to their dance, but not dance with the head cheerleader. Hawaii this year is an aberration. They have a joke schedule and if there hadn't been so many shake-ups with top teams losing this year they wouldn't have gone to a BCS bowl, even with an undefeated season.

Bronco would be crazy to pass up the chance if UCLA offered it, but UCLA isn't interested in investing in Bronco's stock.

john in texas | 7:47 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

Attention ha ha ha ha. You are one cynical human being. Try taking Bronco's place for even a week since you appear to be such an expert.

You appear to be one of those people who would be critical of BYU and it's coaches even if they played 2-3 BCS teams and blew them off the field each year and then went unbeaten and won the NCAA championship. There would be something wrong with the coaches, the players, or anything that you could conjur up.

My opinion for what it is worth. BYU does a REMARKABLE job in staying competitive with the
special challenge of utilizing all the returned
missionaries and being limited to recruiting young
men who committ to the HIGH standards at the Y.

And for all of you who want Bronco to move on to more money, maybe money is not what motivates him.
Just maybe the things that motivated Lavell Edwards
is motivating him. Money is important, but it IS NOT
the grand achievement of life.

And that's it for this 13th day of November 2007.

BlueBoy | 7:48 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

Bronco's comments over the three years he's been head coach don't lend to any concept of his leaving BYU for more money, or leaving because some storied BCS school wants him. He considers his job here a calling, not an opportunity only. Money isn't an issue for someone who's happy to live the simple life.

I believe he wants to be remembered many years from now as the guy who got BYU permanently into the national football scene, as a top, well-respected team that contends for the national title, regardless of conference affiliation. In fact, he probably wants BYU to get invited into a BCS conference like the Pac-10.

Granted, most teams there don't want that, but the BCS itself might cause that conference to expand one day, and if BYU is a top-tier winner year after year, that might do the trick. Money speaks, and if BYU is winning BCS dollars every year from the BCS conferences, they'll likely want to bring BYU into the fold to retain that dough.

Nuts | 7:51 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

UCLA is just trying to distract BYU for this bowl game. If UCLA loses to BYU it is major disaster for their program. Bronco will stay at the Y.

AZ Dave | 7:55 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

Typical Cougar fan. Put down the Kool-Aid and get real. BYU better than UCLA. Good team in a so so conference. Nothing more, Nothing less

Take it Bronco! | 8:05 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

Hey, Bronco wants a shot at the BCS, so here is is chance. He'd be studpid not to go after this job. Here is a chance to coach in a more reputable conference, get more national exposure, play a tougher schedule, etc. Oh wait, he might not like to tougher schedule part, but he can always schedule down his non conference schedule a little. At least this will give him a chance to prove his coaching ability.

Why Bronco? | 8:06 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

This doesn't make sense to me. Walker will stay on as defensive coordinator. Bronco's forte is also defense. Who's going to coach the offense? I think UCLA is just blowing smoke on this one. Desperate times call for desperate meausures. UCLA is a desperate program right now.

Ever been to Apline? | 8:11 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

Where else would you choose to rasie a family, than the little community where you grew up?

BYU has spent the bucks to build "The Program" and will spend the bucks the KEEP the program. A half empty stadium does no one any good.

Good for BYU football, the current coaching staff and the former staffers. Interesting that both are being considered to coach against arch rival USC, and guess who is calling the plays over there!!!

Let's see, Walker is already on board, Chow and Bronco are in the news...To bad BYU isn't good enough to play in the Pac 10!!!

Sarkisian | 8:21 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

Funny his "former BYU" name hasn't come up...

TO: hahaha | 8:22 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

youre just jealous that ucla doesnt want whittingham...how come the really good mid majors dont get more respect after utah throttled big pittsburgh and boise state beat monster oklahoma. even if hawaii beats georgia, next year will be the exact same and no mid major will get respect no matter what they do. tourney time please

To RE: Do it! | 8:23 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

Bronco is the real deal however his cougs will not be a BCS Buster year after year unless they figure out how to beat non conference opponents just like Utah wont do it until they learn to beat weak conference opponents. Truth is as was mentioned earlier unless Hawaii beats Georgia the justification to invite non BCS teams is gone. The BCS is politics and money. That is why Utah played Pitt not Auburn (to much controversy if Utah beats Auburn), and why the hope was Oklahoma would destroy BSU, did not happen so they are looking for Georgia to do it to Hawaii. The whole reason they created the system was to keep the non BCS schools out!!!! You are only fooling yourself if you think any of them will win a National Championship!!! Unless college football goes to a play off there will never be any hope. As for Bronco, I am not a cougar fan but he is a classy guy who gets the job done. I hope he stays because he does give the conference a better chance at getting the recognition it deserves. GO MWC

RE: Why Bronco? | 8:26 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

RE: Why Bronco - Explain why this doesn't make any sense? Who says if Bronco was hired that Walker would even be on his staff. If Bronco leaves, I'm sure Robert Anae is following him to coach the offense. It makes sense for Bronco to go to UCLA if offered the job. He is a great head coach and has proved he can elevate a program in the dumps. Plus, this gives him the shot at big time and the BCS.

But in the end whent he smoke clears, Bronco will still be a Cougar is my gut feeling. But you may as well get used to him being offered jobs as long as BYU does well. And I don't see BYU upping the ante to match what UCLA can offer!

RE: HAHAHAHA | 8:35 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

RE: Hahahah - I am the biggest Ute fan there is, but even I with all the dislikes I have for BYU can admit that Bronco Mendenhall is one heck of great head coach. UCLA would be lucky to get him in my book. Just like all you Cougs were so thrilled when Urban left Utah, I to would be thrilled to see him move on to bigger and better things. I'm not a BYU fan, but I am not oblivious to the fact that BRONCO can coach and motivate kids. For those that doubt he could do it at UCLA, I think you are dead wrong!

So, Mr. HAHAHAAH, I think you are the one being laughed at.

GO UTES!!!!!

CougTrainer | 8:39 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

How can any of you say what Bronco thinks? You all sound ridiculous.

ogmson | 8:41 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

Coach Bronco will not leave BYU. No, he is not at a 7 figure income like he could be at UCLA, but make no mistake, most of you have no idea of the behind the scenes activity of big money boosters putting together special fund for the Coach's at BYU. The money is for retirement, special needs, recruiting and/or whatever to properly compensate our head coaches and give them the financial support that BYU can't.

Only angry, 0-2, Ute fans would say that BYU coach's are not the class of the country. But go ahead, keep writing things you know nothing about so those of us that do can have something good to laugh at.

The money raised privately for this 'fund' is ginormous. There are not five other programs in the country that can claim the same thing, at least none that are spoke of. Why would Bronco leave that?

BTW, I know, BYU can't compete with Oklahoma (Tucson) Michigan (San Diego) Kansas (Dallas) Texas A&M (San Diego) Oregon(LV) Oops. Well, maybe he meant except for the last time they played each other.....What a idiot. How do you turn the computer on when you are that dumb?

hahahahaha | 8:44 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

Look at Broncos record vs non conference opponents. And to Elsabio, I know he beat Arizona, a poor pac 10 team. Other than Oregon who didnt use Dixon, you havent beat anyone worth talking about. You could have been a BCS buster but Tulsa and UCLA took you.

Ute Fan | 8:47 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

If Chow were to get the job at UCLA, the best move he could make would be to take Sarkisian from USC. Which, would vacate the OC job that would be a great fit for Andy Ludwig.

BYU gets to keep Broco
Chow and Sarkisian are reunited
We lose Ludwig

It's a win-win-win!!!

BluieBluie | 8:53 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

It is clear that the direction that Bronco has led this program (in an earthly sense) makes another National Championship an inevitability.

There is no program that can come close to the way that BYU is building its program the right way and is building its players for success in the future. We are truly witnessing greatness.

I just don't understand why we must be bound by this Conference and its Television contract. BYU's presence in any game means that it gets unparalleled ratings. Accordingly, BYU needs to go independent, sign an exclusive deal with NBC to cover its games, and inherit all that it has rightfully earned thanks to its behavior on and off the field.

RE: ogmson | 9:01 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

RE: ogmson - You bash on Ute fans when one respectfully made a post right above yours. Then you wonder why our fans are some of the most hated? Go figure.

Question, what was 0-2 supposed to mean? If you are refering to his record against Utah, go back and check your facts and you find that you are wrong.

As far as Bronco leaving. It's all speculation. We don't even know that he has been asked to interview. Until then it is all speculation.

Money Motivated | 9:03 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

"BlueBoy" is a classical BYU fan that is mixing employment with his church attendance. BYU would want people to believe that working for them is a "calling" so that they can pay you less, but when those people look around (like Bronco will, if he is truely offered something), and realize that his salary can go from a couple hundred to a couple million dollars, it won't take long for him to realize that all of the extra-curricular things he is there at BYU for, he can find at UCLA (except for the goofy students). While money isn't everything, the opportunity to get paid 10 times your current salary is something that would make anyone look at the job, regardless of the calling. How many times do you have a chance to earn a several million dolllar salary? As an FYI, I had a bishop move from my neighborhood because he got a job offer paying him 2X his salary, so it wouldn't be the first time someone has left a "calling" to better his family's financial situation.

To UTE Fan | 9:03 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

Why would Sarkisian want to go to UCLA? USC is a much better place for SARK and its pays much more than UCLA.

"Andy who?", says USC. UNLV 27-0. Great offensive mind. Dream on.

HOHOHO | 9:04 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

HAHAHAHAH is obviously a Ute fan as are all of those who are encouraging Bronco to go. As for being a joke -- well, winning 2of3 from Utah is pretty funny. Then there's Air Force (who also beat TTUN) and TCU, which is traditionally pretty good. And a look at BYU's upcoming schedule includes the likes of Washington, Florida State, and several other good programs. Now, there are a lot of reasons that I think some of Bronco's strategies might not work with a different population, I am not surprised people are looking at him. And I also don't think the Tennessee Titans OC would be out of his league.

Anonymous | 9:10 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

Not everyone in the world thinks that making big money is the end-all, beat-all of human existence. I could make bigger money in bigger cities, but I don't want to live there. I have all I need here. Coaching (and winning) at BYU and you are the most popular LDS guy on earth next to the prophet.

Bronco isn't going anywhere.

mid-majors | 9:17 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

Did anyone hear Lou Holtz talk about Hawaii a few weeks ago and what bowl they should be in? Near the end of his comments he mentioned that Hawaii was in the MWC. He was immediately corrected by Mark May who told him Hawaii was in the WAC. But the point is even the so-called experts know nothing (or maybe just a little) about the MWC or the WAC or any of the teams in the mid-majors, including BYU and Utah.

Hopefully, Bronco will be the coach to help change that at BYU.

Sarkisian as Head Coach | 9:19 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

Re Ute Fan:

Sark ain't leaving USC for anything less than a head coaching job.

Little Pockets | 9:26 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

I bet every school in the country wishes that they had a top five ginormous fund for their school. I sure am glad byu has one. It is so huge!

2 years undefeated in conference | 9:34 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

Enough said.

To: ogmson | 9:35 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

Are you in the BYU Human Resources Department? How in the world do you know what Bronco makes?

It has been reported that he is in the $900,000-1,200,000 range, which would most likely make him a 7 digit guy.

Head Coach | 9:38 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

It will not matter who coaches BYU, They will always be a great team and Utah Won't.

political aspirations | 9:39 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

It may be good for Baronco-Bama, er... Bronco Mendenhall to grab the UCLA job while there is still a great program within his reach - because he, just like a strong democratic presidential candidate, is just a flash in the pan. If he doesn't jump at this opportunity, he may not have another. He will just fizzle out and die in happy valley.

Now, time for all of us computer geeks to get back to work and to quit fantasizing about real life football scenarios.

Belgie | 9:40 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

"Belgie & Dave? Serious?" and "No National Championship" - Did you even read my post? I specifically said that the best of the mid-majors are COMPETITIVE WITH the top BCS teams. Several programs have proven that over the past 5 years. I also specifically said that BYU wouldn't have a chance at a national title in the next 2 years. Beyond that - nobody can say. I only said that BYU should be the best mid-major, and they will therefore get national attention (just like Utah and BSU have already done).

And, by the way, I DO live outside of Utah - about 6000 miles outside of Utah. And BYU gets about as much national attention as any other team at the bottom of the top-25. They get mentioned in columns. They get pictures and video put in highlight sections. Mendenhall gets talked about. In fact, in a lot of cases, national media LOVE to talk about the little guy that excels. If BYU pounds UCLA in the Las Vegas bowl, plenty of journalists will talk about the stupid match ups the MWC has in its bowl games.

Michigan | 9:48 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

It's interesting that with all the talk of bronco considering ucla, Haven't heard anyone mention who could replace bronco. Not that I think bronco has the desire to leave byu. He has said time and again that it is his goal to restore BYU to its former glory and re-establish them as a national power as before. Two years, two conference championships and three bowl games mean nothing at this point. Bronco would say that he has a long way to go in restoring the BYU program. And if he left so many BYU fans would feel abandoned. Perhaps similar in the way Olsen left for ucla and we see how that worked out.

But no has mentioned who would replace Bronco?

Maybe, but why not Steve Sarkisian? Just a thought.

And this thing about the SC's, Oklahoma's, Michigan's and so forth's?

BYU doesn't have to play all those teams year end and out. Those programs don't play each other like that either. Hey, I live in Michigan, and OSU and the U of M regularly stack their schedules with teams from the MAC and like conferences.

Do you people actually know anything about college football? I don't think so.

LA Dodger | 9:57 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

Belgie - where do you live? China? Yeah, I'm sure you're an "expert" on national attention. I too live outside of Utah and I don't agree with you. You probably are a BYU fan so you're looking for articles and highlights. To be honest, no one here in LA cares about BYU. It's also probably true that no one here really cares about the Bruins unless they are doing well. I CAN say that UCLA fans - those that are die-hard like myself - would be extremely disappointed if we hired your coach. We want Chow as head coach and Walker as an assistant. If we can't get Chow, we'll take Walker. I've never heard of your guy until I came over here to do some research on our bowl opponent.

Pac 10 needs BYU, to get Bronco | 9:59 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

UCLA needs Bronco more than Bronco needs UCLA.

Bronco will be offered numerous opportunities to coach elsewhere, and BYU's program will continue to exceed national expectations. UCLA meanwhile, needs a coach to match its lofty BCS status, will struggle to meet its program's resulting expectations, and will continue firing coaches until someone does.

Tough to imagine, I know, a BCS school with all its unearned money and inflated respect. Surely Bronco wants overhyped players, too. Doesn't Bronco want to be in the hot seat every year he isn't in the National Championship?

With the parity in college football, Bronco recruits the talent he needs. And at BYU a better effort on the field is more important than talent. BYU has the facilities, the coaches, the fan support, the school, the values, and even a comparable winning tradition; so BCS schools only offer more money and more respect. When you have enough money, how much more do you need? Respect is more fulfilling when it is earned. And does UCLA really offer more National Championships? They have one shared title in 1954. BYU has an outright title in 1984.

The Pac 10 doesn't want Bronco, because then they get BYU.

Come On Belgie! | 10:02 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

Hey Belgie:

Playing one BCS School a year doesn't mean that byu is "competitive" compared to those schools. Come On! If that is the case, UNLV is also "competitive" because they played Wisconsin tough this year.

Also, reading the church news 6000 miles away does not constitute getting national media attention.

SC | 10:02 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

Bronco ought to take the job if offered. I think its is a very tough job tough. To compete with SC right now would be tough. Six bcs bowl games in a row that program is on a roll. And fair or not UCLA will always be compared to USC.

It is a prestigous job. In a great conference. He would have a tough time scheduling down though since the pac 10 has 9 conference games. And I'm sure he would miss the great tv exposure the mountain offers in isolated pockets of the wasatch front.

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