Jerry Neuheisel and mentor Noel Mazzone reunite to jumpstart UCLA: A Tale of Coaching and Mentorship
In the world of college football, few stories are as captivating as the reunion of Jerry Neuheisel and Noel Mazzone. These two quarterbacks and coaches have a unique bond, one that has sparked a resurgence in UCLA's fortunes.
The story begins with a call for help. With the Bruins struggling at 0-4, Neuheisel, the tight ends coach, reached out to his former mentor, Mazzone, the offensive coordinator. This wasn't their first collaboration; they had previously worked together when Neuheisel was a backup quarterback under Mazzone from 2012-15. Despite their successful partnership, they had parted ways after four seasons in Westwood.
But the call for assistance was answered. Mazzone, a coaching lifer with over 20 stops at the high school, college, and NFL levels, agreed to return to UCLA. This time, he took on the role of offensive coordinator, while Neuheisel was promoted to playcaller. The results were immediate and impressive.
In their first game back together, UCLA scored on each of its first five drives, beating then-No. 7 Penn State 42-37. This stunning upset qualified as the upset of the college football season. The team's average of 40 points in its two victories was nearly triple its previous output during that winless start.
The success continued when Mazzone reached out to Neuheisel again, convincing him to give up playing for the Obic Seagulls of Japan's X League. They joined forces once more, this time with Mazzone as the offensive coordinator at Texas A&M and Neuheisel as a coach. This reunion marked a turning point in their careers.
The dynamic duo's impact on UCLA's offense is evident. Neuheisel, now the offensive coordinator, has embraced Mazzone's philosophy, emphasizing the utilization of space on the field and creating matchups for success. This approach has transformed the team, with quarterback Nico Iamaleava throwing for five touchdowns with no interceptions over the last two weeks and the running game picking up considerable speed.
The story of Jerry Neuheisel and Noel Mazzone is a testament to the power of mentorship and the impact it can have on a team's success. Their reunion has not only revitalized UCLA's offense but has also solidified their bond as a dynamic coaching duo in the world of college football.
