When UCLA made sweeping changes to its coaching staff earlier this season, few expected much from Jerry Neuheisel, the young and relatively inexperienced assistant suddenly elevated to interim offensive coordinator. Yet just weeks later, Neuheisel has taken full advantage of the opportunity, turning heads with his leadership, play-calling, and the revitalization of a once-stagnant UCLA offense. While the Bruins may still be deciding what the future holds for him, there’s a growing case that Neuheisel could be a sneaky candidate for the vacant head coaching position at Oklahoma State.
From Bruins Quarterback to Rising Coach
Jerry Neuheisel’s ties to UCLA are deep-rooted. A former quarterback for the Bruins, he played from 2012 to 2015 before spending a season in Japan’s X-League with the Obic Seagulls. His transition into coaching was swift and natural, starting with stints in support roles before climbing the ladder at his alma mater. Over time, he worked his way into a full-time role coaching tight ends and was later promoted to assistant head coach.
When head coach DeShaun Foster and offensive coordinator Tino Sunseri were let go after UCLA’s 0-4 start, Neuheisel was unexpectedly thrust into the spotlight. By his own admission, he had never even worn a headset during a game before taking over as offensive coordinator. But that inexperience hasn’t stopped him from making a major impression in a short period of time.
Early Results Catching Attention
Since Neuheisel took over play-calling duties, UCLA has suddenly found its offensive rhythm. The Bruins followed their winless start by rattling off back-to-back victories against two traditionally strong Big Ten programs being Penn State and Michigan State. In those games, UCLA scored 42 and 38 points respectively, marking their highest offensive outputs of the season by far.
It wasn’t just the scoring totals that stood out, it was how confidently and creatively the offense operated. The Bruins played with tempo, balance, and identity, traits that had been missing through the first month of the season. Perhaps most importantly, Neuheisel seems to have unlocked something in transfer quarterback Nico Iamaleava, who struggled mightily early in the year but has looked far more poised and productive in recent outings. Utilizing Nico's legs more to unlock his passing seems to be a good recipe for the current state of this team and for him as well. The offensive turnaround has been so dramatic that Neuheisel’s name is now popping up in coaching rumor mills, including as a dark horse option for programs like Oklahoma State.
Why Oklahoma State Should At Least Listen
As Oklahoma State begins life after Mike Gundy, the program finds itself at a critical juncture. The next head coach will not only be tasked with maintaining the Cowboys’ competitive edge in the Big 12 but also with helping the program evolve in a fast-changing college football landscape. While many names with long résumés will be floated, there’s a case to be made for someone like Jerry Neuheisel, who brings youth, energy, and clear offensive upside.
He also comes from a strong football pedigree. His father, Rick Neuheisel, was a long-time college football coach and led the UCLA program from 2008 to 2011. That legacy, combined with Jerry’s own journey from player to coach, has shaped someone who understands the pressures and demands of high-level college football. What he lacks in years, he makes up for in adaptability, creativity, and presence—qualities that Oklahoma State could use as it seeks a new identity post-Gundy.
Neuheisel has also proven that he can lead in chaos. Being handed the reins of a winless team and immediately turning things around says something about his leadership and communication skills. In an era where offensive innovation and player relationships are more important than ever, hiring a young coach who can speak the players’ language might be a calculated gamble worth considering.
The Challenges Are Real
Of course, hiring Neuheisel would come with significant risk. He has no experience as a head coach, and his current success has come in a limited sample size. Two big wins are impressive, but they don’t erase the fact that he has yet to run an entire program, recruit a full class, or build a staff from scratch. Those responsibilities are massive, and Oklahoma State must weigh the upside of his early promise against the inexperience he would bring.
There's also the reality that UCLA may decide to retain Neuheisel in some capacity depending on how the rest of the season plays out. If the Bruins continue to show improvement, they may opt to keep some continuity within the staff, especially if the offense continues trending upward. However, if he becomes available, Oklahoma State would be wise to at least bring him in for a conversation. It will be tough to keep him if the offense keeps humming like this and if the new head coach wants his own staff.
A Sleeper Worth Considering
Jerry Neuheisel may not be the most obvious candidate in the coaching carousel, but he could be one of the more intriguing ones. He’s shown poise under pressure, innovation on offense, and the ability to lead a group of players who were struggling just weeks ago. Whether or not he’s ready to run a major Power Five program remains to be seen, but if Oklahoma State is looking for the next breakout coach instead of a retread, Neuheisel is the kind of name that deserves a look.