UCLA football: Rick Neuheisel takes his job security in stride

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Take this job ... please.

UCLA Coach Rick Neuheisel didn’t waste any time humorously addressing his job security heading into his fourth season as head coach.

“I’m excited to be here,” Neuheisel said in his opening monologue at the Pacific 12 Conference media day Tuesday. “As a coach on the proverbial hot seat, I’m excited to be invited to any of these things.”

Neuheisel has a 15-22 record since being hired, the worst three-year start by a Bruins coach since Harry Trotter, who went 2-13-1 from 1920-22.

UCLA was 4-8 last season after going to the EagleBank Bowl in 2009.

“I thought we were on the verge of turning the corner after going to the bowl game,” Neuheisel said. “We took a step back in respect to progress.”

Neuheisel, though, was unconcerned about the chatter about his job security.

“I don’t have to turn anything around this year; nothing bad has happened yet,” Neuheisel said. “In this business, we’re all on somewhat of the hot seat at all times.”

The upside for Neuheisel and UCLA is that the defense has more depth than the previous season, except at cornerback.

“For the first time since I have been at UCLA, we are two-deep at every position with the exception of corner,” Neuheisel said. “Everyone who goes in, we won’t feel like we’re losing a lot.”

And, as always, Neuheisel said, “Hope springs eternal.”

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-- Chris Foster

Rick Neuheisel cheers as his team sings the school song after the Bruins beat Arizona State 23-13 at the Rose Bowl in 2009.Credit: Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times