From UCLA 247/scout website
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Greg Biggins 31948 posts
2 hours ago
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Hesitated to post anything from what I’ve heard over the last few days because there is so much information out there and I know a lot of it is misinformation and misdirection. Still from what I’ve heard today from a few really good sources including coaches who coached with Chip in the past as well people in the agency, I think Chip to UCLA looks very probable, to the point where it would now be considered a surprise if he goes anywhere else.
I never use the word ‘lock’ in recruiting and won’t use it here either but it sounds like things would have to fall apart and collapse in a huge way for this not get finalized. It’s past the point of talking about coaching salary’s, living arrangements and practice times and things have even progressed to the point where I heard the current roster is already being evaluated.
There had been informal talks between both party’s but from what I was told, Chip refused to talk to anyone at UCLA as long as Mora was still employed, which is why he was let go before the Cal game. They either had to move quick or risk losing him to Florida. Things were pretty far along with Florida at the time but UCLA had already been in discussions behind the scenes and it can’t be overstated enough how huge Dunn and Wasserman’s relationship played a role in this with the UCLA connection. Sounds like Wasserman was really the point person on this entire deal.
I don’t have a timeframe of when a formal announcement will be made and again, something I say in recruiting all the time, until the paperwork is signed, you never know what could happen. I’ll be honest and hopefully this doesn’t sound like a shot at UCLA, I never envisioned them being able to pull this off, if indeed it happens. I saw them making a run at a few heavyweights, getting turned down and then moving on and hiring a coach with zero head coaching experience or someone who played at UCLA. UCLA decided not to allow Mora to coach the Cal game and let him hug his seniors on senior day, and it looks like the gamble could pay off if they can indeed pull in Chip.
**** lol
