Weekly Answers, Pt. 1

Check out the first batch of weekly answers…

1) A few questions about Dan Guerrero: Do you think DG understands how upset UCLA fans are with the state of the football team? Does he have a list of possible replacements for CRN? Does he fire RN midseason, or wait until the end of another awful year? Is DG’s job in jeopardy? – UCLArt
I definitely think Guerrero knows about the fans’ ire, but I think as the athletic director he has the duty to act in the best manner for the program, and that does not always align with what the fans’ desire. Regarding No. 2, I’m sure he’s formulating some ideas, and regarding No. 3, I don’t think he makes a move during the season seeing as there are two new coordinators, a less-than-ideal situation. Regarding No. 4, not at this point.

2) Assuming a regime change come season’s end, what names should be at the top of the list of coaches that can and would be willing to change the course of UCLA football? (Given who’s available today.)
– Reformed Droog
As a beat writer, I don’t like to speculate on specific coaches, but all I know is that whomever coaches UCLA next season, a much-higher measure of discipline must be instilled.

3) Simple question: Do you think the players have quit on the coaching staff? – uclaike
I won’t go that far, but I’ll say that on Thursday they sure didn’t show a lot of fortitude.

4) In light of the very unsurprising meltdown of the NBA season, do Honeycutt or Lee now regret leaving early? It seems like playing for UCLA this year would be so much more valuable to their careers than being drafted in the second round and then doing nothing. – Anonymous
Neither will say as much despite being asked that probably 10,000 times, but I have to believe they feel a twinge of regret, if not a full-on smattering.

5) Who makes the call on starters? I ask because some choices are baffling — for example, we have a linebacker who has been getting walled off, pushed out of holes, and generally caught out of position/beat physically on nearly every big running play for the opposing team (like last night when this particular LB could be seen watching play after play go right past him) — and yet he has started for the past 2 years. I respect the guy’s grit and tenacity, but he’s simply not good. So is it the LB coach that’s playing him? The DC? Or the HC? – Anonymous
The position coach handles matters of rotation and playing time, with consultation from the other coaches on that side of the ball.