Wristen Joins Staff

John Wristen joined the UCLA football coaching staff as tight ends and special teams coach Wednesday, two days after Brian Schneider, who previously held that post, left the team citing personal reasons.

Wristen, 43, has 16 years of college coaching experience, including the last seven as an assistant at Colorado.

“John has a great track record with tight ends and special teams and has great experience with our offense,” UCLA Coach Karl Dorrell said.

Wristen was Colorado’s recruiting coordinator the last two years but has been without a job since coach Gary Barnett and his staff were fired in December.

Before being hired at Colorado in 1999, Wristen spent eight years working with Barnett at Northwestern, splitting time between coaching running backs and tight ends.

“John has worked with two successful programs at Colorado and Northwestern and comes highly recommended,” said Dorrell, whose Bruins begin spring practice on Feb. 23.

“He coached some outstanding tight ends at Colorado and his experience will be a benefit to our young players at that position.”

Wristen is the sixth new assistant to Dorrell’s staff since UCLA defeated Northwestern in the Sun Bowl on Dec. 30. Offensive line coach Jim Colletto, wide receivers coach D.J. McCarthy, defensive coordinator DeWayne Walker, defensive line coach Todd Howard, linebackers coach Chuck Bullough and Wristen have been hired in the last month.

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Dorrell, who led UCLA to a 10-2 record and No. 16 national ranking last season, will be honored along with Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa by the UCLA Black Alumni Assn. on Sunday night. Dorrell will receive the Florence Griffith Joyner Spirit of Victory Award. The benefit will be held at City Club on Bunker Hill. Information: www.uclablackalumni.org.