Toledo promotes two coaches, filling both offensive openings

By Christina Teller
Daily Bruin Senior Staff

UCLA Head Coach Bob Toledo announced Monday that Kelly Skipper,
former running backs coach for the Bruins, has been promoted to
offensive coordinator, and former defensive ends coach John Pearce
has been named quarterbacks coach.

“I feel that (Skipper) has a great understanding of our
offense,” Toledo said. “Kelly and I have worked very
well together over the past three seasons.”

Skipper, who has been with UCLA since 1998, has guided several
outstanding running backs. He had a hand in junior DeShaun
Foster’s 2000 campaign, during which he became the 13th Bruin
to notch 1,000 yards.

“We share the same offensive philosophies, utilizing a
balance between the running and passing games, and I know our
offense will continue to flourish under Kelly’s
guidance,” Toledo said.

Skipper, who has also interned with NFL teams to gain further
experience over the past two summers, will continue coaching the
running backs in addition to his new duties.

Pearce, who has been with the Bruins since 1999, will switch
from defense to the offensive aspect of the game to coach the
quarterbacks.

“When I was the offensive coordinator at Texas A&M,
John coached the tight ends and the running backs,” Toledo
said. “He is very familiar with our offense. I am excited
about giving him the opportunity to work with our quarterbacks and
I feel his experience will be an asset to our offense.”

Toledo will hire another defensive assistant coach to aid Phil
Snow, defensive coordinator; Don Johnson, in charge of the
defensive line; and Marc Dove, in charge of linebackers.