Randy Taylor, UCLA’s celebrated director of football
operations, has resigned.
Taylor was vital to the team’s recruiting efforts and
coordinated year-round official and unofficial visits for
prospective players. He helped UCLA land top recruiting classes in
his seven years on the job.
Taylor informed athletic director Dan Guerrero of his decision
on Monday and expressed a desire to pursue a position in the
NFL.
“I have some opportunities on the next level,”
Taylor said. “I need to take advantage of them. It’s a
chance to move on.”
“I’d love to be in the war room, making draft
decisions some day, whether it’s as a general manager or as a
director of player personnel. I want to go to the top of the
industry.”
Taylor is already among the best in the business on the
collegiate level. ESPN.com named him the nation’s top
director of football operations in 2001 after he helped put
together yet another top-10 class. UCLA landed the nation’s
top recruiting classes in 1997 and 1998.
“I liked being here,” Taylor said. “UCLA will
always be school 1-A. I’ve grown fond of the athletes and
coaches.”
Taylor said that he wavered with his decision and that the
firing of head coach Bob Toledo had no effect on it.
“I have had opportunities in the past and decided to
stay,” Taylor said. “But the timing is great. I’m
excited at what’s happening for UCLA. Coach (Karl) Dorrell is going
to be great for this program.”
Taylor will leave UCLA on Friday to attend the all-star bowl
games and the NFL Combine.