UCLA FOOTBALL NOTEBOOK: GUERRERO WON'T COMMENT ON DORRELL.

Byline: Brian Dohn

Staff Writer

UCLA athletic director Dan Guerrero discussed the Bruins' invitation to the Las Vegas Bowl, saying it gives the seniors an opportunity "to go out on a high note."

However, when it came time to discuss who will coach the Bruins against BYU on Dec. 22, Guerrero did not have much to say.

"I've said all I'm going to say," Guerrero said moments before UCLA played Texas in men's basketball at Pauley Pavilion.

UCLA coach Karl Dorrell and Guerrero will meet today, but sources re-iterated what was reported Sunday, that Guerrero made a decision to fire Dorrell after five seasons.

While Guerrero has been careful not to speak directly to any potential candidates, boosters and former players already contacted several candidates to gage interest, and potential asking prices, sources said.

Among those candidates contacted by intermediaries are, as previously reported, Boise State's Chris Petersen, Texas Tech's Mike Leach, former San Francisco 49ers and Detroit Lions coach Steve Mariucci, who now works at the NFL network, and former UCLA quarterback Rick Neuheisel, who is currently on the Baltimore Ravens staff.

Another possibility is UCLA defensive coordinator DeWayne Walker, who sources said was expected to get an interview. It is possible Walker will be named UCLA's interim coach against BYU in the Las Vegas Bowl, but other factors are in play, sources said.

Walker's potential involvement with Washington State could hamper his ability, or willingness, to serve as UCLA's interim coach. Walker's representative was contacted by Washington State last week.

If former Wazzu coach Mike Price does not leave Texas-El Paso and return to Wazzu, Walker could have a shot at the job, making it difficult for him to serve as UCLA's interim coach and prepare for a bowl game during a time he could be recruiting for another program.

If Walker is not the interim coach, UCLA assistant director of academic services Ed Kezirian is the expected choice. He held the same capacity when Guerrero fired Bob Toledo after the 2002 season, and led the Bruins to a 27-13 defeat of New Mexico in the Las Vegas Bowl.

Dorrell went 35-27 in five seasons at UCLA, including a 6-6 mark this year. The Bruins, who closed out the regular season with Saturday's 24-7 loss at USC, were beset with multiple injuries at key positions, including quarterback and tailback.

According to his contract, Dorrell has a $2 million buyout.

Of course, hosting a team with an interim coach is a scenario the Las Vegas Bowl tried to avoid, especially since it usually involves a team full of assistant coaches trying to get jobs at other schools while preparing for a bowl game.

According to sources, the bowl tried to negotiate not having UCLA, but was unable to do so. Also taking away from the attractiveness is the teams met during the regular season, with UCLA winning 27-17 at the Rose Bowl.

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- Brian Dohn

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