Neuheisel out as UCLA football coach

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 28 (UPI) -- Rick Neuheisel will be replaced as the football coach at UCLA after the Bruins play in Friday's inaugural Pac-12 Conference title game, school officials say.

UCLA officials announced Monday Neuheisel, who played for the Bruins in the 1980s and started his coaching career as an assistant at UCLA, wouldn't be returning for the 2012 season.

He was hired Dec. 29, 2007, at UCLA and built a 21-28 record over the last four seasons. The Bruins never finished higher than eighth in the Pac-10 under Neuheisel and ended up second in the Pac-12 South this season with a 5-4 record (6-6 overall).

They were given the conference title game berth because division-leading Southern California is barred from post-season play due to rules violations sanctions.

UCLA plays Friday at No. 7 Oregon.

"Decisions such as this one do not come without a great deal of heartache," UCLA Athletic Director Dan Guerrero said in announcing the coaching change. "However, it is apparent to me that a move was necessary at this time in order to give UCLA the best chance to enjoy the success that we all desire."

UCLA was the third head coaching position for Neuheisel, who was at Colorado for four seasons and Washington for four more. His 2000 Washington team won the Rose Bowl and finished third in the final coaches' poll. His overall coaching record is 87-58.