UCLA announces reorganization of Chip Kelly's assistant coaching staff
UCLA announced updated titles on Monday for assistant coaches Tim Drevno, Jerry Neuheisel, and Kodi Whitfield.
Drevno added the title of run game coordinator to his role as the Bruins’ offensive line coach. Neuheisel will be the Bruins’ passing game coordinator in addition to his responsibilities as the wide receivers coach. Whitfield will coordinate the special teams in addition to coaching cornerbacks.
“Tim, Jerry, and Kodi are versatile coaches who bring different, valuable perspectives to our coaching staff,” Kelly said in a release. “They will continue to be tremendous assets for our players and me going forward.”
Head coach Chip Kelly has had to do some restructuring of his staff this offseason following several departures. Ryan Gunderson left his post as quarterbacks coach to take the offensive coordinator job at Oregon State. Tight ends coach Jeff Faris left to become the head coach at Austin Peay. And defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn left for the same position at USC.
Kelly elevated defensive line/outside linebackers coach Ikaika Malloe to defensive coordinator. Tony Washington Jr. was hired to coach the defensive line. Ken Niumatalolo was brought in to replace Faris and Billy Fessler was brought in to replace Gunderson.
Monday’s moves come at a time of uncertainty for UCLA’s head coach, though.
Kelly has been repeatedly linked to NFL openings. He reportedly interviewed multiple times for the open OC position with the Las Vegas Raiders. When Kliff Kingsbury walked away from that job to take the same position with the Washington Commanders, speculation only increased that Kelly could find his way to Sin City.