UCLA officially promotes Kennedy Polamalu to offensive coordinator

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UCLA running back coach Kennedy Polamalu talks to his player during the Bruins morning practice at Cal State San Bernardino in San Bernardino, Ca., Wednesday, August 19, 2015. (Photo by John Valenzuela/The Sun)

UCLA hopes that promoting running backs coach Kennedy Polamalu to offensive coordinator will make for a “a multifaceted offense.” (John Valenzuela/Staff)

UCLA has officially announced its promotion of Kennedy Polamalu to offensive coordinator, as well as the hiring of Marques Tuiasosopo and Rip Scherer — moves that the team hopes will help build a more diverse offense.

“As we continue to evolve as a program and tailor our philosophies and schemes to the strengths of our players, what you will see is a multifaceted offense incorporating tight ends and fullbacks into our schemes,” head coach Jim Mora said in a statement. “Our objective is to be a big, strong and physical offensive unit that has flexibility of personnel groupings. I know we have the right men in Kennedy, Marques and Rip to implement this philosophy.”

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Polamalu’s new role comes after two seasons of working as the Bruins’ running backs coach, a period that saw him become one of the most effective members of the staff. UCLA has averaged 4.95 yards per carry since he arrived in Westwood, and have developed depth at running back to replace former Pac-12 leading rusher Paul Perkins, who declared for the NFL draft.

The 52-year-old previously held the title of offensive coordinator at USC from 2010-12, but the presence of then-coach Lane Kiffin kept him from ever assuming a full share of the playcalling duties. In replacing Noel Mazzone, who left for Texas A&M last week, Polamalu will likely introduce more pro-style concepts to UCLA’s spread offense.

Tuiasosopo left the USC staff to become UCLA’s quarterbacks coach and passing game coordinator. Regarded as a strong recruiter, the 36-year-old had previously served as the Bruins’ Y-receivers coach in 2012 before leaving for Washington.

Scherer is moving from his position as an associate athletic director to coach tight ends. The 63-year-old was Colorado’s assistant head coach and quarterbacks coach four years ago, and had decades of experience at the college level before a stint in the NFL.