UCLA head coach Jim Mora appears to be safe for at least one more year, because he is busy making staff changes in preparation for the 2017 season. Offensive coordinator Kennedy Polamalu has been let go from his position on the staff after a dismal season with the Bruins offense.
UCLA finished its season ranked 92nd in total offense, 127th in rushing offense and 96th in scoring offense. The lone bright spot for the Bruins was the passing game, with Josh Rosen leading the way through the air when he was healthy. Unfortunately for UCLA, Rosen was banged up this season and only played in six games. Senior Mike Fafaul took over and ended his season with 12 touchdown passes and 11 interceptions. UCLA also ranked 99th in the nation in red zone scoring percentage and 96th in the nation in red zone touchdown percentage.
Polamalu took over as the offensive coordinator for UCLA last year to replace Noel Mazzone. Mazzone left UCLA for Texas A&M last offseason, leaving UCLA to promote Polamalu (a former USC offensive coordinator) from running backs coach to take on the role. The lack of focus or improvement in the running game was a surprising development for the Bruins, who relied too heavily on the pass to get things done.
Whoever takes over as offensive coordinator will be the third in three seasons for Rosen, with next season likely being his final year at UCLA before a possible departure for the NFL. Given the instability on the staff and possible uncertainty about what happens beyond 2017 if things go sour once more, Rosen leaving a year early for the NFL feels like a near-given. And who could blame him?