Donahue Won’t Even Discuss Rumors of His Retirement

Despite his denials, UCLA Coach Terry Donahue can’t seem to shake speculation that he will retire if the Bruins win today’s game against USC.

Donahue has reached the point where he won’t respond to the question anymore.

“I think to address it would add credibility to it,” he said.

That hasn’t stopped the rumors.

Sources close to Donahue say that, at 51 and in his 20th year on the job, he has at least questioned whether he wants to continue. Others say that is a normal reaction at the end of a disappointing, injury-plagued season.

One radio talk-show host predicted that Donahue would announce his retirement last week after the Washington game if UCLA won, making Donahue the winningest coach in Pacific 10 Conference history.

But the Bruins lost, leaving Donahue tied with former Washington Coach Don James, each man having won 97 conference games.

Sources close to Donahue say he was interested in leaving UCLA a year ago to become coach of the Rams, but lost interest when they left town.

UCLA Athletic Director Peter Dalis has denied speculation that he will step aside to allow Donahue to assume his position.