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UCLA Football: Former OC Kennedy Polamalu Speaks, Via Bruin Report Online

By Mike Regalado

September 10, 2016; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Josh Rosen (3) speaks with head coach Jim Mora and offensive coordinator Kennedy Polamalu after a touchdown scored against the UNLV Rebels during the first half at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
September 10, 2016; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Josh Rosen (3) speaks with head coach Jim Mora and offensive coordinator Kennedy Polamalu after a touchdown scored against the UNLV Rebels during the first half at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Former UCLA Football offensive coordinator Kennedy Polamalu opens up for the first time about his termination in a letter released through Bruin Report Online.

It has been just over three weeks since UCLA Football Head Coach Jim Mora relieved offensive Coordinator Kennedy Polamalu of his duties.

Following a 36-10 drubbing at the hands of Cal, which capped a 4-8 season, Mora had decided to go a different direction with the offense and let Polamalu go.

This season was Polamalu’s first as the Bruin OC. He attempted to change things and help UCLA ‘s offense with a move from the spread offense (implemented by former OC Noel Mazzone) and add power elements to the game.

That did not go as planned as a poor run game, inconsistencies on the offensive line and QB Josh Rosen getting knocked out of the season six games in did not make his job any easier.

Today, Bruin Report Online released a letter from Polamalu giving his side of the situation, which he defended, but understood why the decision was made.

“This past season was certainly a disappointing one, but the bottom line is that we are in a results based business. So while the injury to Josh [Rosen] and the need to rotate lineman certainly didn’t help, at the end of the day the success of the offensive unit was on me.”

Polamalu did state that he did not believe going to a pro-style was a mistake, but was more than understanding of the need to move on.

Next: Is No Offensive Coordinator News Good News?

Polamalu ended by saying that he has nothing but gratitude for the opportunity to be OC, but as he wrote, it is a results based business and 4-8 is not a good result. UCLA is currently in the hunt of their next offensive coordinator.