Long Intrigued by New Mexico’s Interest

Calls have come since the season ended, and Rocky Long has said thanks, but no thanks to job feelers, even job offers.

“I have a good job,” UCLA’s defensive coordinator said Tuesday.

But the call Monday night from Rudy Davilos, New Mexico’s athletic director, was different.

“I have an interest because it’s my alma mater,” Long said about replacing Dennis Franchione, who is leaving the Lobos after the Insight.com Bowl to coach at Texas Christian. “If it wasn’t New Mexico, I wouldn’t be interested at all.

“I have gotten some calls from schools like New Mexico and have said no, but I still have some Lobo blood in me.”

Long played quarterback at New Mexico from 1969-71, and was a graduate assistant there. He also coached high school football in Albuquerque before returning to the school as a full-time assistant.

He has been at UCLA for two seasons. This season, Bruin defenders forced 39 turnovers, second only to Wyoming’s 42.

Among those said to be on the list of candidates at New Mexico are Gary Patterson and Mike Schultz from Franchione’s staff, Montana Coach Mick Dennehy, Baltimore Raven defensive coordinator Marvin Lewis, North Texas Coach Matt Simons and USC defensive coordinator Keith Burns.

“I don’t know about that,” Long said. “I only know what I hear from the coaches’ grapevine. I do know that Rudy Davilos said he made 58 phone calls yesterday.”

The list is expected to be winnowed down by Friday, and Davilos hopes to name a coach by Monday.

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Bruin strong safety Larry Atkins, a junior who made several All-American lists, said he probably will ask the NFL about his draft status but that he is unlikely to leave UCLA to play professional football until after his senior season. He and quarterback Cade McNown are the two juniors who have drawn most of the scouts’ attention. McNown also has said he intends to stay in school another year.