Line Coach Johnson Turns Down a Job

Defensive line coach Don Johnson informed Coach Karl Dorrell that he has rejected an offer to become defensive coordinator at Nevada and will remain at UCLA, Dorrell said Saturday.

Johnson, in his fourth season as a UCLA assistant, was an assistant at Nevada from 1995 to ’99 before joining UCLA. Nevada Coach Chris Ault reportedly offered him a position earlier this week.

Johnson left practice Saturday without speaking to reporters.

“He’s staying here,” Dorrell said. “He’s flattered with the opportunity. It’s always nice to be wanted.

“He’s a heck of a football coach. That’s a part of this profession, getting a chance to elevate yourself and getting opportunities. He’s excited about being here at UCLA and I’m sure this isn’t going to be his last opportunity.”

Last week, offensive coordinator Steve Axman interviewed for the head coaching position at Texas El Paso but was not among the final candidates.

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Linebacker Brandon Chillar is the latest victim of the flu bug circulating among the team. Chillar tried to practice Saturday but left after getting sick on the field.

Running back Maurice Drew sat out his fourth consecutive practice because of illness and several others have been affected.

“It seems like it hits one person and it hits another person. It’s kind of hitting through our team here,” Dorrell said.

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The Bruins will practice Monday and Tuesday, then will be off until Saturday for a short Christmas break. The team will reconvene in San Jose, site of the Dec. 30 Silicon Valley Classic against Fresno State.