On Tuesday, UCLA announced a six-year contract extension with coach Jim Mora that will extend through 2019.
This past Saturday, Mora led UCLA to a 35-14 victory over crosstown rival USC, making him the first UCLA football coach since Bob Toledo in 1996 and 1997 to win his first two games over the Trojans.
“Under his guidance, UCLA football has garnered national recognition for its success on the field, in the classroom and in the community,” athletic director Dan Guerrero said of Mora. “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.”
Following a four-year span under coach Rick Neuheisel in which UCLA went 21-28, the Bruins are 18-8 under Mora. Multiple news outlets reported earlier this week that Mora, former walk-on linebacker at the University of Washington, was on the school’s shortlist of replacements for its head coaching vacancy.
As Washington began its coaching search yesterday, Mora and other members of the UCLA coaching staff reportedly visited Northern California to meet with running back recruit Joe Mixon of Freedom High School in Oakley, Calif.
On Tuesday morning, Mora declined to comment on his status to the Sacramento Bee’s Joe Davidson, but expressed his gratitude for the newly negotiated contract just hours later.
“I want to thank Dan Guerrero and Chancellor Gene Block for their tremendous support,” Mora said in a statement. “This further commitment the University has made is crucial as we continue in our pursuit of excellence. From day one our goal has been to win championships, and with our tremendous staff, our incredible student-athletes and our dedicated administration, UCLA will win championships.”
Immediately following the win over USC, Mora gave an excited, passionate series of responses that at times sounded like a UCLA recruiting pitch.
“I think it just shows you what’s going on at UCLA. It’s an exciting time at UCLA, man,” said Mora of the two straight rivalry wins. “It’s an exciting time to be a UCLA Bruin, man. You want to play for a fun, tough, hard-nosed football team that can win games anywhere? Come to UCLA, because it’s brewin’ over there.”
Compiled by Andrew Erickson, Bruin Sports senior staff.