Jerry Neuheisel hasn’t yet been a name on every fan’s mind, but his recent work at UCLA suggests he might not stay under the radar much longer. As a former quarterback turned coach, Neuheisel has steadily built credibility, and recent events have pushed him into the conversation as one of the more interesting young assistants in college football.
UCLA Assistant Jerry Neuheisel Climbing the Ranks in CFB
From Bruin Quarterback to Developing Coach
Neuheisel’s roots run deep at UCLA. He played quarterback there from 2012 through 2015 and even spent a season in Japan’s X-League playing professionally for the Obic Seagulls. His transition into coaching began soon after. He started with roles like graduate assistant and offensive quality control before working his way into positional coaching.
He spent a few seasons as UCLA’s wide receivers coach (2021–2023), then took over coaching tight ends. In December of 2024, he was promoted to assistant head coach, underscoring the trust and respect he had earned within the program.
Stepping into the Spotlight & Early Successes
2025 has been the year Neuheisel has had to perform under pressure. After a rough start to the season for UCLA, the head coach and offensive coordinator were let go. Neuheisel was named interim offensive coordinator in a moment of crisis. With little prior experience calling plays in live games, many weren’t sure what to expect. But he delivered.
His first major test came quickly. Neuheisel’s offense helped lead UCLA to a high-scoring win over a top‑10 team, Penn State, followed by a strong showing against Michigan State. For a team that had sputtered early, these performances caught attention. The offense showed character, poise, and creativity and so did Neuheisel.
What Makes Neuheisel Stand Out
Several things distinguish Neuheisel from many other rising assistants. First, his development of players. Under his guidance, receivers have broken out, and the offense has shown tempo and balance. His tight ends, for example, had productive seasons under him.
Second, his coaching pedigree matters. His father, Rick Neuheisel, was also a UCLA quarterback and head coach — and while that legacy gives him name recognition, Jerry’s earned respect through his own performance. He’s been part of UCLA’s coaching staff over multiple regimes, working under different head coaches, which has exposed him to diverse leadership styles and coaching philosophies.
Third, his work in leadership and personal development has become part of his identity. Outside the X’s and O’s, he’s involved in mentoring players, balancing culture, performance, and relationships.
The Challenges & What’s Next
That said, the road ahead won’t be without challenges for Neuheisel. He hasn’t been a head coach yet, and while his short sample size as play‑caller is promising, running an entire program brings far more responsibilities — recruiting, hiring staff, game‑management under longer seasons, dealing with media, etc. Some may see his inexperience as a risk.
How he navigates those early head coaching opportunities, if and when they come, will matter. Results will matter more than reputation at that level. Continued offensive success, consistency, ability to recruit, and leadership under pressure will be critical.
Why He’s One to Watch
Neuheisel represents a new generation of coaches that are rising because of both pedigree and performance. He’s shown he can adapt, lead, and win in difficult circumstances. He’s shown that when the spotlight comes, he can handle it.
For anyone following the coaching world, Neuheisel’s current trajectory suggests he might be among those young coordinators or assistants who make the leap to a head coaching role in the near future. He may not yet have all the experience, but his recent successes make him one of the more credible “rising stars” in college football coaching today.
Main Image: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
