UCLA's Mora reportedly contacted by Chargers
The San Diego Chargers have contacted UCLA football Coach Jim Mora about their head-coaching vacancy through his representatives, according to multiple people familiar with the situation who were not authorized to speak publicly.
UCLA had a record of 9-5 in Mora's first season as coach. Mora is likely to remain in Westwood, with UCLA boosting the pay for his assistant coaches and improving the team's facilities, people in the university's athletic department said.
Mora did not respond to phone calls or text messages.
In an email to UCLA boosters and donors Tuesday, Athletic Director Dan Guerrero praised Mora and the Bruins' dedication and said, "Rest assured that I, along with Chancellor [Gene] Block and the university, share that dedication to Jim and the team, and together we are committed to, step-by-step, reaching new heights in UCLA football."
UCLA is expected to announce plans for a new football facility within the next two weeks.
UCLA had already started increasing salaries for assistant coaches. UCLA paid assistants $2.17 million in 2012 and had five under contract for $975,000 for next season. Offensive line coach Adrian Klemm — one of the coaches already under contract for 2013 — has received a $50,000 raise offer that would boost his pay to $325,000, a person familiar with the situation said.
The Chargers are searching for a new head coach after firing Norv Turner last week.
Mora has the NFL experience and familiarity with the Chargers. He was coach for the Atlanta Falcons for three seasons and the Seattle Seahawks for one season. He began his coaching career as an assistant with the Chargers in 1985.
Mora has a five-year, $11.235-million contract at UCLA. He would have to pay $3 million if he terminates his contract before Jan. 16, or $2.5 million if he left in the year after that.
— Chris Foster