Who is Jerry Neuheisel? Meet the new UCLA offensive coordinator putting a scare into James Franklin and Penn State

Who is Jerry Neuheisel? Meet the new UCLA offensive coordinator putting a scare into James Franklin and Penn State originally appeared on The Sporting News

The UCLA Bruins were expected to face a tough season in the Big Ten, but there was hope with transfer quarterback Nico Iamaleava. That optimism faded quickly, as UCLA dropped its first four games, getting outscored 125–57.

Following their third loss, the Bruins cleaned house, firing head coach DeShaun Foster along with the offensive and defensive coordinators. Interim head coach Tim Skipper promoted Jerry Neuheisel to offensive coordinator and gave him play-calling duties.

Neuheisel eased into the role, helping UCLA post 14 points against Northwestern — their second-highest total of the season. In Week 6 against Penn State, the offense truly came alive. The Bruins stormed into halftime with a 27–7 lead, scoring on all four of their first-half possessions. Coming into the game, UCLA had averaged just 14.3 points per game, the third-lowest mark in the FBS.

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Here is more on UCLA's new offensive coordinator. 

Neuheisel played quarterback for the Bruins, spending most of his time on the scout team. In 2014, he was thrust into action when Brett Hundley went down with an injury, and he led UCLA to a comeback win over Texas. Neuheisel finished that game with 178 yards and two touchdowns, including a 33-yard game-winning strike to Jordan Payton with three minutes remaining.

After graduating, Neuheisel transitioned into coaching. He began as an offensive quality control coach at Texas A&M in 2017 before returning to UCLA as a graduate assistant in 2018. He was promoted to wide receivers coach in 2021, then shifted to tight ends coach in 2024 while also taking on the title of assistant head coach.

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Is Jerry Neuheisel related to Rick Neuheisel?

Yes, Jerry is one of Rick's sons. Rick and his wife, Susan, have three sons: Jerry, born in 1992; Jack, born in 1994; and Joe, born in 1997. 

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Jerry Neuheisel career

Neuheisel wasn't able to take his playing career to the next level and turned to coaching instead, like his father. 

• 2017 - Quality Control (offense) -- Texas A&M
• 2018-2020 - Graduate Assistant -- UCLA
• 2021-2023 - Wide Receivers Coach -- UCLA
• 2024 - Tight Ends Coach, Assistant Head Coach -- UCLA
• 2025 - Assistant Head Coach, Offensive Coordinator -- UCLA

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UCLA remaining schedule