Golden's UCLA talk upsets some Owls fans

The latest name to surface in UCLA's search for a head football coach - Temple's Al Golden was interviewed Wednesday - is Oregon's Mike Bellotti.

Bellotti, 57, who is 105-52 in 13 seasons with the Ducks, will guide Oregon (8-4) against South Florida (9-3) in the Sun Bowl on Dec. 31.

In addition to Bellotti and Golden, 38, the candidates known to have talked with UCLA are Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Rick Neuheisel, Bruins interim coach DeWayne Walker, Eagles defensive-backs coach John Harbaugh, and Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator Norm Chow.

Chow subsequently decided not to pursue the job.

Meanwhile, there was unrest among some Temple alumni and boosters because Golden was considering a move.

Temple, which hasn't had a winning season since 1990, finished 4-8 and showed marked improvement this year after going 1-11 in Golden's first season. The Owls, who were 4-4 in their first year as members of the Mid-American Conference, will enter next season with all but one scholarship player back.

Golden's first two recruiting classes drew raves in MAC circles, and an impressive group of new Owls is waiting in the wings. National signing day is Feb. 6, and Temple already has 21 oral commitments.

Golden and other Temple officials have declined to comment on the situation.

"Everyone expects that he may move on eventually, but at least finish the job you started," said a Temple fan who did not want his name used. "If he takes us to a bowl next year, I'll wish him the best of luck if he moves on. But not now."

The scenario involving Golden and UCLA also includes the possibility that Golden's visit was a result of a courtesy call by UCLA chancellor Gene Block. Golden and Block had a relationship from their days at Virginia.

Block was a longtime professor at the Charlottesville university before becoming vice president and provost from 2001 to '06. Golden became the youngest defensive coordinator in the nation when he started a five-year stint with the Cavaliers that ended when he was hired at Temple in 2005.

Engaging in talks on a high-profile position such as UCLA's can be educational for a young coach like the intense Golden.

And if Golden winds up back at Temple, the connection with UCLA raises his profile in college football, which could be a plus when he and his staff contact prospective high school players.

At the same time, with Golden apparently on the radar as an up-and-comer, it could lead to questions from recruits about his future at Temple.