Canucks Name Ley as Coach

Pat Quinn, stressing he wanted to give more attention to his front-office jobs, reluctantly stepped down as coach of the Vancouver Canucks Wednesday and handed the position to assistant Rick Ley.

Ley, 45, a former teammate of Quinn’s, has been a Canuck assistant for three seasons. Previously, he coached the Hartford Whalers for two seasons.

Quinn was hired as the Canucks’ general manager and president in 1987. He appointed himself coach during the 1990-91 season, replacing Bob McCammon.

College football

Inside linebacker Brian Tighe, expected to compete for a starting spot when two-a-day practices begin at UCLA Saturday, has quit football after undergoing a second shoulder operation.

Coach Terry Donahue said Tighe had reinjured his shoulder in off-season workouts and decided not to return for his senior season.

Donahue also said reserve quarterback Scott Fitterer, who played in only one game last season, has given up football to concentrate on baseball. He is a relief pitcher.

Kicker Jason Lessley has transferred to Colorado, where he will have three seasons of eligibility.