UCLA AD Dan Guerrero: 'We Had To Push Quickly and Aggressively' To Extend Mora's Deal
WESTWOOD, Calif. (CBSLA.com)- There were some nervous moments for Bruin fans the past few days with speculation that Jim Mora could take the open head coaching position at Washington with the departure of Steve Sarkisian.
But with less than a week of the rumors of deaprting, Mora agreed to a 6-year extension to stay at the UCLA, locking him up through 2019.
On Wednesday CBS2/KCAL9's Jim Hill caught up with the man who orchestrated that deal, Athletic Director Dan Guerrero.
"We were actually ready for this in many respects," Guerrero told CBS2/KCAL'9's. "I have been in conversation with Jim's representatives weeks ago, in preparation for the next step as related to Jim's tenure here at UCLA. It was accelerated by that move [Sarkisian heading to USC], so we had to push quickly, be aggressive, be decisive…and we were. Jim loves UCLA, he loves working here, he loves to work with the student athletes and it showed and decided this is where he wants to be."
Under Mora, UCLA has a record of 18-8 in his two years on Westwood, including two wins over USC and a loss in the Pac-12 title game
"This is an exciting time for UCLA football, and the continued commitment our administration has provided gives us every chance to reach our goals," Mora said in a statement issued by the university. "This staff came here with a commitment to win a national championship. That commitment stands."
The University did not disclose on how much the new deal will be worth.
