At about the same time Tuesday that former Washington coach Steve Sarkisian was having his first press conference as USC head coach, UCLA squelched rumors that its coach, Jim Mora, would replace Sarkisian in Seattle by announcing that he was signed to a six-year contract extension through the year 2019.
Mora played and coached at Washington in the early 1980s and at one time was quoted as saying that coaching the Huskies would be his dream job.
But UCLA athletic director Dan Guerrero stepped up to the plate, promising Mora that he’d also increase assistant coach pay and improve the program’s infrastructure.
“Jim Mora has established himself as one of the preeminent coaches in all of college football,” said Guerrero. “Under his guidance, UCLA football has garnered national recognition for its success on the field, in the classroom and in the community. We are excited about the commitment Jim has made to our student-athletes and this University and feel this extension further demonstrates UCLA’s commitment to building a championship-caliber football program.”
Mora has guided the Bruins to the program’s first back-to-back nine-win seasons since 1997-1998. His most recent team is filled with talented freshman and could be the Pac-12 favorite in 2014 if quarterback Brett Hundley decides to return.