Karl Dorrell hasn't been mentioned much around the country as a coach on the hot seat, but if you talk with a Bruin fan for longer than 3 minutes you'll come to find out that a strong portion of the fan base wants him gone. I was taken aback a little, so I decided I'd look further into the issue. Bruins fans probably already know most, if not all, of what I'm about to outline. Still, they might like some outside reassurance.
In Karl Dorrell's four seasons as head coach of the Bruins, he's amassed a 29-21 record (.580 win %), 19-14 in the Pac 10. He's 1-3 against cross-town rival USC, 1-3 in bowl games, and hasn't won a Pac 10 Championship.
His predecessor, Bob Toledo, was fired after a 7-5 regular season in 2002. His achievements? 49-32 overall (.605 win %), 32-24 in the Pac 10. He was 3-4 against USC, 1-2 in bowls, but missing a bowl 3 years, but won 1 outright Pac 10 Championship, and tied for a Co-Championship.
Toledo was beaten by more than 2 touchdowns 12 times during his stay in Pasadena, or 2 times a season. Dorrell has been beaten by more than 2 touchdowns 9 times during his current tenure, or 2.25 times a season.
Bob Toledo took over a program that was 35-23 over the 5 years prior to his arrival. Karl Dorrell took over a program that was 35-24 the 5 years prior to his arrival.
With just these simple facts, I can see why some UCLA fans think Dorrell should be canned like Oscar the Grouch. So, what does Karl Dorrell need to keep the fanny from being warm?
From afar, I'd say he needs to beat USC (again) and finish 1st or 2nd in the conference. They have the returning starters (20!), the expectations , and the schedule to finish in the top 2 of the Pac 10.
Maybe Bruins Nation will chime in on what they need Dorrell to do to win them over.