Former players express support for fired OL coach Adrian Klemm

During his five years at UCLA, offensive line coach Adrian Klemm produced three NFL draft picks, including 2016 fifth-round draft pick Caleb Benenoch.

After the 39-year-old coach was fired this week, Benenoch, who played in five games as a rookie for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this season, took to social media Tuesday to support Klemm, quoting a tweet from fellow former UCLA offensive lineman Simon Goines. Goines was part of Klemm’s first recruiting class at UCLA, but was hampered by injuries most of his career.

During Klemm’s tenure, UCLA sent Benenoch, Xavier Su’a-Filo (2nd round, 2014) and Jeff Baca (6th round, 2013) to the NFL through the draft.

Mora: Klemm firing ‘is in the best interest of the program’

UCLA football practice at California State University in San Bernardino, Saturday, Aug., 9, 2014. (Eric Reed/For LANG)

UCLA football practice at California State University in San Bernardino, Saturday, Aug., 9, 2014. (Eric Reed/For LANG)

UCLA officially announced the firing of offensive line coach and run game coordinator Adrian Klemm on Monday. Reports of the coaching change surfaced Sunday night.

The Bruins have coaching vacancies at running back and offensive line with National Signing Day quickly approaching on Feb. 1. UCLA just split with one of its top recruiters and has only three offensive line commits: Kanan Ray from Sierra Canyon High, Jaxson Kirkland from Jesuit High in Portland, Ore., and Jax Wacaser from Saguaro High in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Here is head coach Jim Mora‘s full statement on the firing, released by the school:

“Adrian is a friend, which makes change difficult sometimes. But right now, this is what is in the best interest of the program. I know Adrian will be successful in all his future endeavors. He has played a major role in the lives of the young men he has coached and mentored here in Westwood, many of whom now have careers in the NFL. I want to thank him for that commitment to our student-athletes over the years and his dedication to this program.  Most of all, I want to wish him all the best moving forward.”

UCLA fires OL coach Adrian Klemm

Offensive line coach Adrian Klemm was a respected recruiter, but struggled to develop consistent production on the offensive line. (Photo courtesy UCLA Athletics)

Offensive line coach Adrian Klemm was a respected recruiter, but struggled to develop consistent production on the offensive line. (Photo courtesy UCLA Athletics)

UCLA has parted ways with offensive line coach and run game coordinator Adrian Klemm, sources confirmed Sunday night.

Klemm, who came to UCLA with head coach Jim Mora prior to the 2011 season, was the highest-paid assistant coach at a public Pac-12 school last season. His contract worth $760,000 was set to expire this June. The 39-year-old coach earns the majority of his salary as one of UCLA’s top recruiters.

Despite his reputation as an effective recruiter, Klemm is under a two-year show-cause order for organizing training services and housing for two recruits in March 2014.

The UCLA offensive line struggled with injuries and depth issues this past season as the Bruins were one of the worst offenses in the Pac-12. After losing three starters from the 2015 offensive line that gave up only 14 sacks, the Bruins gave up 24 sacks this season and were ranked 127th in the country in rushing offense.

Scout.com first reported the news.

Video: Adrian Klemm and Kenny Walker

Offensive line coach Adrian Klemm talks about what he’s searching for within his unit, how he’s responsible for building mental toughness and how the Bruins can operate in a power scheme with linemen who were recruited to play in a spread attack.

Receiver Kenny Walker talks about building a winning mentality, turning the corner on offense and drops (again)

OL coach Adrian Klemm gets two-year show-cause order, fine for recruiting violations

The NCAA announced additional punishment in UCLA offensive line coach Adrian Klemm‘s recruiting violations case on Friday, handing out a two-year show-cause order and a $5,000 fine after Klemm admitted to paying for housing and private training for two prospects.

The NCAA accepted UCLA’s self-imposed penalties from last season, which included a two-game suspension for Klemm, who also holds the title of associate head coach along with his offensive line duties.

“While I certainly did not intentionally violate NCAA rules, the fact of the matter is that I did violate NCAA rules, and I accept full responsibility,” Klemm said in a statement released by UCLA althetics Friday. “I need to be aware of every rule, and I will be moving forward. I’m thankful that this process has concluded, and my focus remains squarely on our student-athletes and helping them achieve their goals.”

The show-cause order goes from Sept. 16, 2016 to Sept .15, 2018.

Klemm admitted to paying $2,400 for housing and private training for two prospects, according to the NCAA, but said he was not aware that he had violated NCAA rules because he thought the two prospects had signed National Letters of Intent.