Ranking 20 Years of UCLA Defensive Coordinators

September 8, 2012; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins student section cheers against the Nebraska Cornhuskers during the second half at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

6. Bob Field, 1999 – 2000

While Nick Aliotti is probably borderline, the traumatic associations nudge him down into what I’ll call the bottom tier of modern UCLA DCs. Bob Field is a half-step up on my rankings, marking our transition to the middle tier.

More: Kenny Clark and Myles Jack Named to the Bednarik Award Watch List

Field was the defensive coordinator for Terry Donahue from 1982-1995. When Donahue left, Field was up against his counterpart, offensive coordinator Bob Toledo, for the head coaching gig. Toledo got the gig and instead of keeping Field in the DC role, replaced him with Rocky Long and then Nick Aliotti. With Aliotti’s departure, Toledo brought Field back into his old role.

Statistical Rankings
Year | SOS | SD | TD | DFEI | DS&P+
1999 | 30 | 80 | n/a | n/a | n/a
2000 | 1 | 86 | n/a | n/a | n/a
Avg. | 16 | 83 | n/a | n/a | n/a

Field ran the dreaded ‘bend-but-don’t-break’ defense from a 4-3 scheme, designed to sacrifice short and medium yardage in order to limit big plays. Observers took to calling it the ‘bend-and-then-break’ defense. Field’s defenses featured Coleman, Anderson, Thomas, and Ricky Manning, but were plagued by injury and inconsistent play.

The 1999 season saw losses to Ohio State, Stanford, and Oregon State in which the defense gave up 42, 42, and 55 points, respectively. The 2000 season saw losses to Cal, Oregon State, and USC, giving up 46, 44, and 38 points. That 2000 season ended with a Sun Bowl loss to Wisconsin and then Toledo relieving Field of his duties.

Where is he now: Field was promptly given a job in the UCLA athletic department, where he still serves as senior associate athletic director, overseeing men’s and women’s golf and assisting Dan Guerrero in all football matters.

Next: Fredo