Report: UCLA, Tino Sunseri agree to mutually part ways, Jerry Neuheisel to take over playcalling

According to Ben Bolch of The Los Angeles Times, UCLA and offensive coordinator Tino Sunseri have “mutually parted ways” on Tuesday. Jerry Neuheisel takes over as the team’s new play caller, while a familiar face rejoins the program to lend a hand.

“UCLA and OC Tino Sunseri mutually parted ways Tuesday evening, a university official told The Times,” Bolch said via X. “TE coach Jerry Neuheisel will be the offensive playcaller against Penn State & it’s anticipated that former UCLA OC Noel Mazzone will soon assume analyst duties pending approval.”

Sunseri barely got settled out West, being hired by UCLA for this season. He also served as the quarterbacks coach to work with Nico Iamaleava. There was not too much success between them, averaging only 197 passing yards per game. The Bruins, as a whole, failed to reach 20 points in three of four games. Numbers alone tell you something didn’t work with Sunseri and UCLA.

Previously, Sunseri spent a few years working under Curt Cignetti at a couple of stops. First up was James Madison, working as the quarterbacks coach. Cignetti then left for Indiana in 2024, taking Sunseri with him, adding the co-offensive coordinator tag.

Shortly after the report came out, UCLA sent out a statement on the situation. They confirmed what Bolch said, from Sunseri leaving the program to Neuheisel taking over for Saturday’s game against Penn State.

“UCLA and Tino Sunseri have mutually parted ways effective immediately,” the statement said. “Jerry Neuheisel will move to offensive play caller. Plans are underway to finalize additional support.”

Neuheisel now takes over the offense, one of the few promotions received in recent times. Foster moved the former UCLA quarterback from wide receivers coach to tight ends coach in 2024. Heading into this season, the title of assistant head coach got added.

He might not officially be the offensive coordinator but Neuheisel has the opportunity to call plays for the first time in his career. Every Big Ten opponent presents challenges moving forward. However, Penn State will certainly be among the toughest.

As for Mazzone, this will end a 10-year drought of him working at UCLA. He left in 2015 to be Texas A&M’s next offensive coordinator, lasting just three seasons in College Station. A return (which still needs approval per UCLA) helps Neuheisel get rolling in his new role. A good amount of reshuffling a few days before a conference game.