Jim Mora's Tenure at UCLA: A Retrospective Look at His Record and Impact
James Lawrence "Jim" Mora, born on November 19, 1961, is an American football coach with a notable career spanning both the National Football League (NFL) and college football. Before becoming the head coach at the University of Connecticut, Mora served as the head coach of the UCLA Bruins from 2012 to 2017, leaving a significant mark on the program. This article delves into Mora's time at UCLA, analyzing his record, achievements, and overall impact on the Bruins football program.
Early Career and Background
Jim Mora's football journey began as a player with the Washington Huskies from 1980 to 1983, where he played as a reserve defensive back/linebacker. He commenced his coaching career at his alma mater in 1984 as a graduate assistant. Before UCLA, Mora gained extensive coaching experience in the NFL, serving as the head coach for the Atlanta Falcons (2004-2006) and the Seattle Seahawks in 2009. His NFL experience brought a level of expertise and acumen to the UCLA program.
Arrival at UCLA and Initial Success
On December 10, 2011, UCLA announced the hiring of Mora as head coach, replacing Rick Neuheisel. Mora signed a five-year contract for $12 million, plus incentives. He quickly assembled his coaching staff, hiring Adrian Klemm, Steve Broussard, Demetrice Martin, and Eric Yarber as assistant coaches. This swift action paid dividends as UCLA secured a consensus No. 12-ranked recruiting class in 2012, a significant improvement from the previous class.
Mora's impact was immediately felt in his first season. The 2012 UCLA team achieved a 9-5 record, including a decisive victory over rival USC with a score of 38-28 and clinching the Pac-12 South title for the second consecutive year. Key players during this season included freshman quarterback Brett Hundley, NFL first-round draft pick defensive end Datone Jones, and UCLA's all-time leading rusher Johnathan Franklin.
Building on the momentum from his first season, Mora secured the No. 11-ranked recruiting class of 2013, UCLA's highest-ranked recruiting class in two decades. In 2013, the Bruins finished with a 10-3 record, achieving notable wins over ranked teams and solidifying Mora's reputation as a program builder.
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The Mora Era: Highs and Lows
During his six seasons at UCLA, Mora compiled a 46-30 record. His initial success brought a renewed sense of excitement and accountability to the program, which had been lacking in previous years. In both 2012 and 2013, Mora led the Bruins to seasons with at least nine wins, a feat not seen in Westwood for quite some time. He also secured the Pac-12 South Division title in 2012. Mora's teams were consistently ranked in the top 25 during his first four seasons, and he demonstrated a knack for identifying and developing NFL-caliber talent. During his tenure, 25 players were selected in the NFL Draft.
However, the program experienced a decline in the final two seasons. The Bruins won only four games in 2016 and five in 2017, leading to Mora's dismissal on November 19, 2017, a day after UCLA's third consecutive loss to USC.
Key Moments and Turning Points
Several key moments defined Mora's tenure at UCLA. The 2012 victory over USC marked a turning point for the program, signaling a return to competitiveness. The 10-win seasons in 2013 and 2014 further solidified Mora's success. However, the failure to sustain that level of performance in subsequent years ultimately led to his departure.
The Downfall
Several factors contributed to the decline of the program under Mora. One significant issue was the inability to develop a consistent offensive line to protect the quarterbacks. The hiring of Kennedy Polamalu as offensive coordinator in 2016 proved disastrous, as the Bruins finished last nationally in rushing. The defense also struggled, particularly against the run, after the hiring of Tom Bradley as defensive coordinator in 2015.
Despite the disappointing end to his tenure, Mora left a lasting legacy at UCLA. He is credited with revitalizing the program, instilling a winning culture, and attracting top talent. Mora's influence in Westwood is still felt by his successors, as he laid the groundwork for future success.
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