Just when UCLA coach Karl Dorrell thought his coaching staff for
next year had finally been solidified, he received notice Monday
that special teams coach Brian Schneider would be leaving the
program for personal reasons.
Schneider had been on Dorrell’s staff since 2003 and had
been recently hired to coach the tight ends in addition to special
teams. He also served as the team’s safeties coach last
season.
In 2005, Schneider’s special teams unit was among the best
in the country, and punt-returner Maurice Drew was named to
numerous All-American teams. The Bruins’ kick coverage, punt
returning and net punting were all among the best in the nation
last year.
“This was a very tough decision for Brian,” Dorrell
said. “The grind of living 30 miles from campus has just
become too much of a strain on Brian and his family.”
Schneider’s departure is the latest in what has turned
into an exodus of Bruin coaches. In total, six coaches who were
members of the Bruin coaching staff last year are not
returning.
But Dorrell said he understands the rationale behind
Schneider’s decision.
“On one hand, he loves coaching at UCLA. On the other
hand, he has four young children. He needs to be able to spend more
time with his children,” Dorrell said.
“We will certainly miss him, and wish Brian and his family
all the best.”
Dorrell said that Schneider, 34, would be pursuing other
coaching opportunities.