Rick Neuheisel

Rick Neuheisel is a football analyst, coach, former player, and attorney.

Neuheisel played quarterback at UCLA from 1980 to 1983, leading the Bruins to a 45–9 victory over Illinois in the 1984 Rose Bowl, where he was named MVP. He briefly played professionally with the USFL’s San Antonio Gunslingers and had stints with the San Diego Chargers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the 1987 NFL season.

Neuheisel began his coaching career at UCLA as a graduate assistant while attending USC Law School. He later served as UCLA’s quarterbacks and wide receivers coach before moving to the University of Colorado, where he became head coach in 1995 at age 34. Over four seasons, he compiled a 33–14 record, including a Cotton Bowl victory

In 1999, Neuheisel became head coach at the University of Washington, leading the Huskies to a 33–16 record over four seasons, including a Pac-10 title and Rose Bowl win in 2000. His tenure ended amid NCAA infractions related to a betting pool, though he was later cleared of wrongdoing.

After a stint with the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens as quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator, Neuheisel returned to UCLA as head coach in 2008. Despite initial optimism, his tenure was marked by inconsistent performance, culminating in a 21–29 record over four seasons. He was dismissed in 2011 but coached the team in the inaugural Pac-12 Championship Game.

In 2019, he coached the Arizona Hotshots in the Alliance of American Football, leading the team to a 5–3 record before the league ceased operations.

Following his coaching career, Neuheisel transitioned into broadcasting, serving as a college football analyst for CBS Sports and the Pac-12 Network.