At some point, people will stop asking Rick Neuheisel about his less-than-graceful exit from Washington.
But that time has yet to arrive.
Perhaps it is because his fall was so multifaceted, perhaps because it was so well-documented, or perhaps because neither the Huskies nor Bruins have garnered similar attention for what they do on the field up to this point. Whatever the reason, Neuheisel’s story will continue to serve as the linchpin of the matchup.
“Emotionally, yes there’s no question that it’s easier (to return to Seattle) now,” Neuheisel said. “It’s always going to be associated with memories. It always will be. There’s no way to avoid that nor would I want to. I’ve got a lot of great memories up there.”
“Slick Rick” Neuheisel was the lead story plastered across sports pages in the summer of 2003. In his fourth season leading the Huskies, he already had a Rose Bowl victory under his belt. But his success was not what was garnering the attention.
The coach was accused of taking part in an NCAA men’s basketball pool, a violation of NCAA regulations. Neuheisel denied the claims at first, but later admitted participation and was soon fired.
As an additional wrinkle, it was discovered that an internal memo had been distributed within the Washington athletic department that mistakenly permitted participation in pools similar to the one Neuheisel partook in. Furthermore, the NCAA had violated its own rules in its questioning of the coach.
Neuheisel sued the NCAA and the University of Washington and won a $4.5 million settlement. A year later he was hired as quarterback coach for the Baltimore Ravens. Two years after that, he was hired at UCLA.
In just over four years, Neuheisel went from the coaching blacklist, to head coach of his alma mater.
“A lot of water has gone under the bridge since my leaving their program,” Neuheisel said.
Now UCLA’s coach is seven years older and a lot less slick. His concern on Thursday is helping UCLA take another step toward a bowl game against a Washington program that has fallen on hard times ever since he was canned.
Neuheisel’s successor, Keith Gilbertson was fired after going 7-16 in two seasons in Seattle. Tyrone Willingham replaced Gilbertson but suffered a similar winning percentage and failed to win a single game in his final season as coach.
Now, Washington coach Steve Sarkisian is set to the task of rebuilding the program to Rose Bowl status. At 3-6, Washington finds itself in an equally, if not more, desperate situation than UCLA.
“This is a very, very physical game historically,” Neuheisel said. “And obviously I think with where the two programs are now and what’s at stake for their hopes in the postseason, I think this will be that way again.”
The Bruins have never lost to Washington under Neuheisel as he attempts to write a new competitive history from the sidelines.
But that doesn’t mean he’s forgotten about his last college coaching job. He’s reminded of it around this time every year.
“I don’t think the story line is as prevalent as my first time going back,” Neuheisel said. “But for me personally there’s always going to be memories.”
Injury update
Redshirt sophomore linebacker Patrick Larimore will have surgery on his left shoulder next week, Neuheisel announced at his weekly press conference on Monday. The recovery time is expected to be between five and six months.
“For sure, no bowl game and I’m not sure how much he’d have of spring ball, probably not much contact,” Neuheisel said.
With reports from Eli Smukler, Bruin Sports senior staff.