After flirting with the possibility of joining the Texas
football coaching staff last week, UCLA running backs coach Eric
Bieniemy decided to remain with the Bruins, the university athletic
department announced Friday. Texas coach Mack Brown had targeted
Bieniemy as one of the top candidates for the running backs coach
position for the Longhorns. But after factoring family and
professional issues, Bieniemy ultimately decided to stay at UCLA.
“I am thrilled to be a Bruin,” Bieniemy said. “I
love being a part of this football program. I am thankful to (UCLA
coach) Karl Dorrell for bringing me here two years ago, and I
appreciate the support he has given me during the decision process.
“We have great young men in the program and a great staff. I
think the next few years will be outstanding ones for the Bruins
and our fans. I am looking forward to coaching Maurice (Drew),
Chris (Markey), Michael (Pitre) and the rest of our backs.”
Bieniemy joined the UCLA staff two years ago, when he left Colorado
to work with Dorrell. “We are excited that Eric is staying at
UCLA,” Dorrell said. “We feel he is one of the top
young assistant coaches in the nation, and I can’t think of
anyone I would rather have coaching our running backs.”
OLSON HAS SURGERY: Quarterback Drew Olson
underwent surgery Friday to repair damage in his left knee. Olson
tore the anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments in his
knee during the Las Vegas Bowl game on Dec. 23. Doctors hope to
have him ready for the start of fall camp in August, but the injury
can take anywhere between six and nine months to recover from.
POST SEASON ALL-STARS: Receiver Craig Bragg and
running back Manuel White have been selected to play in the Senior
Bowl to be played in Mobile, Ala. on Jan. 29. Also making an
all-star appearance will be receiver Tab Perry, who was selected to
play in the East-West Shrine Game in San Francisco next Saturday.
Cornerback Matt Clark and punter Chris Kluwe will take part in the
Villages Gridiron Classic in Orlando.