Jim Mora: ‘I’ve never really wavered’ on dedication to UCLA

UCLA head coach Jim Mora prior to a NCAA college football game against UCLA in the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, on Saturday, Nov. 28, 2015. (Photo by Keith Birmingham/ Pasadena Star-News)

UCLA head coach Jim Mora suggested that talk of him returning to the NFL could be generated by his competitors. (Keith Birmingham/Staff)

Jim Mora reaffirmed his dedication to UCLA on Thursday afternoon, dismissing any talk of him returning to the NFL as “rumors and innuendo.”

“I’ve never really wavered,” he said on AM 570. “It’s interesting that people question that still.”

Appearing on the Petros and Money Show, Mora said that he has demonstrated “beyond reproach” his commitment to the Bruins. After finishing his fourth season in Los Angeles with an 8-5 record and a loss to Nebraska in the Foster Farms Bowl, the 54-year-old had been connected to the Miami Dolphins’ coaching search. On Sunday, NFL Network’s Mike Silver reported that both Mora and Texas A&M’s Kevin Sumlin are “trying hard” to get back to the pros.

Mora suggested that such talk may be generated by his competition to gain an edge in recruiting.

“I think it’s flattering not only to me, but to our program, that rumors are out there,” he said. “But at the same time, they’re just rumors.”

Mora also denied that UCLA offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone — whose contract was set to expire in June — is heading to Texas A&M. ESPN’s Joe Schad reported that Mazzone left College Station today to “think over” the Aggies’ offer.

“There is no confirmed validity to the rumor that Noel is leaving,” Mora said. “He may, but he may not. I would hope that by the end of the day, we’ll know one way or the other.”

UPDATE: Mazzone has finalized his three-year deal with Texas A&M, per ESPN.