UCLA finalizing deal to add Kevin Coyle to defensive staff for rest of season

"The interim coach is finalizing the hiring of veteran assistant Kevin Coyle as a member of his defensive staff in a move that could bolster the team after the departure of defensive coordinator Ikaika Malloe, according to one person close to the situation not authorized to discuss it publicly because the hiring has not been completed. The hope is that Coyle could join the Bruins before they open Big Ten Conference play at Northwestern on Saturday."

"It would be a familiar pairing. When Skipper served as Fresno State's interim coach last season, Coyle ran a unit that ranked third in the Mountain West Conference in total defense and fourth in scoring defense to help the team reach the Idaho Potato Bowl. The challenge could be far greater with the Bruins (0-3), who have given up 36 points and 431 yards per game to rank among the worst defenses in major college football."

"Coyle, 69, started this season as a senior defensive analyst at Syracuse. He has made multiple stops as a defensive coordinator in college and the NFL, serving in that capacity at Holy Cross, the U.S. Merchant Marine, Maryland and the Miami Dolphins. In 2019, Coyle was head coach of the Atlanta Legends of the Alliance of American Football after winning a national title the previous season with Louisiana State as a defensive analyst under coach Ed Orgeron."

Tim Skipper is finalizing the hiring of veteran assistant Kevin Coyle to join UCLA's defensive staff following the departure of defensive coordinator Ikaika Malloe. Coyle could arrive before UCLA opens Big Ten play at Northwestern and is expected to work within a collaborative defensive approach. The Bruins enter conference play 0-3, allowing 36 points and 431 yards per game, ranking among the worst defenses in major college football. Coyle, 69, began the season as a senior defensive analyst at Syracuse and has extensive coordinator and NFL experience, including prior successful stints at Fresno State and time with LSU and the Cincinnati Bengals.

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