When UCLA offensive coordinator Steve Axman was hired away from
Washington this past January, he had no idea that the Huskies would
be getting something from the Bruins in return ““ former
defensive coordinator Phil Snow.
“There really was no cash or players involved in that
transaction,” Washington head coach Keith Gilbertson joked.
“Hopefully, there are two or three recruits yet to be named
in the deal. Both parties are saying that it has benefited us
both.”
But when Washington enters the Rose Bowl this weekend, Axman,
who was the quarterback coach in Seattle, will be reminded of what
he left behind: an offense that had a Heisman Trophy candidate in
quarterback Cody Pickett and a receiving corps led by surefire NFL
prospect Reggie Williams.
“I had four wonderful years at Washington, and I still
have a lot of good friends on that staff,” Axman said.
“There are certainly a lot of strong feelings going into
Saturday’s game. I coached a great quarterback for four
years, and now I’m missing his senior year, but I look
forward to seeing him again and competing against
Washington.”
Even after coaching Troy Aikman in his first stint at UCLA, it
was at Washington where Axman developed a reputation as a
quarterback guru. Before Pickett, there was Marques Tuiasosopo, who
concluded his senior season with Pac-10 Offensive Player of the
Year and Rose Bowl MVP honors. Pickett himself blossomed under
Axman, throwing for over 4,000 yards last year ““ the first
player in Pac-10 history to do so.
It’s a world of difference from UCLA, which, by
comparison, has struggled mightily moving the ball this year. As
UCLA has learned, it seems, so has Axman. In week 2, he began using
bulldozer Manuel White at tailback, rushing him 18 times for 102
yards. Last week, he tried to get the ball into the hands of his
playmakers, allowing receiver Junior Taylor to have a breakout
game. He has even moved from the press box to the sideline to
ensure more efficient playcalling.
But most of all, Axman is optimistic that, with the youth of the
players, the West Coast offense will eventually be completely
implemented, and the offense will follow shortly.
Indeed, UCLA head coach Karl Dorrell is pleased with the
progress of the offense. While it is still not yet up to par, the
offense has steadily improved, with a new part of the playbook
seemingly implemented each week. UCLA’s 323 yards of total
offense last week were a season high.
“We’re making progress offensively, but it takes a
while to put in a brand new offense, especially our version of the
West Coast offense,” Axman said. “However, it’s a
young group, and they’ll be back for a couple of years, so
that really bodes well for our future.”
He might not be around even that long, however. Axman has made
no secret that he eventually wants to become a head coach, and his
name has been tossed about for the open Arizona head coaching
job.
“I have nothing but fond feelings for the place,”
said Axman, who has previously spent five years as the offensive
coordinator at Arizona. “I do want to become a head coach
someday, but I don’t know if the Arizona job is going to
develop into anything. Right now, I have a game to worry
about.”
He has his share of critics and supporters. With the
team’s overall lack of offensive success, Axman has been
singled out for conservative playcalling and inappropriate use of
personnel.
But there’s a bevy of players who staunchly support him,
including Tuiasosopo, Pickett and the current Bruins.
“He’s an aggressive coordinator,” running back
Maurice Drew said. “He looks to go after defenses and wants
us to be more physical than the defenses. We’re always in
attack mode. We have complete faith and trust in him, and if we
keep doing what he wants us to do, the offense is going to go a
long way.”
As for Axman, he ignores the critics, and he appreciates the
support. He has much more on his mind, namely, figuring out a Husky
defense that has given up 18 points a game. He overlooks the final
portion of the quarterback drill, watching sophomore quarterbacks
Drew Olson and Matt Moore intently and barking orders when
needed.
“These guys are going to do some great things in the years
to come,” Axman said.
Los Angeles is a far cry from Seattle, and Axman raves about the
weather while ranting about the traffic. He still misses the purple
of Washington and the kids he left behind, but his move, he hopes,
is a step up the ladder toward the position he most covets ““
head coach.