Last Friday night, Rick Neuheisel initiated a text conversation with Rich Rodriguez. If anyone could relate to what Rodriguez was going through, it was Neuheisel.
Rodriguez was at home watching his son, Rhett, play quarterback for the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats against Utah. Four years earlier, Neuheisel had experienced the same mix of terror and elation. His son, Jerry, had entered the UCLA-Texas game in relief of injured starter Brett Hundley.
Like Rich Rodriguez, Rick Neuheisel had been fired by the school for which his son played.
“We were going back and forth,†Neuheisel said by phone this week, “how nervous you get, how different it is when it’s your kid in the game — in particular at the place where you got shown the door. It’s a wild gamut of emotions.â€
Rich Rodriguez and his family will experience all that and more in person Saturday night. They will be in attendance at the Rose Bowl — against UCLA, of all teams — when Rhett makes his first career start in place of the injured Khalil Tate.
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Rich, Rita and Raquel — Rhett’s, dad, mom and sister — flew from ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ to Los Angeles on Friday, sitting in the sixth row on a late-morning Southwest Airlines flight. Rich spoke to the Star on Sunday about his son’s extended relief appearance against Utah. The Star reached out to Neuheisel to further explore a dynamic that isn’t unprecedented but is unendingly fascinating.

UCLA quarterback Jerry Neuheisel threw a game-winning touchdown pass to beat Texas in 2014. The Bruins fired his dad Rick in 2011.
‘You live and die with them’
The connections go well beyond coincidence.
Jerry Neuheisel’s coordinator and position coach at UCLA was Noel Mazzone … who now coordinates the offense and coaches quarterbacks at ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥. Jerry spent last season as a graduate assistant working for Mazzone at Texas A&M. Jerry now works in the same capacity at UCLA under Chip Kelly, who had been impressed by the younger Neuheisel during a visit to College Station last year.
Jerry Neuheisel was a part-time student at UCLA, serving a grayshirt year, when the school fired his father in November 2011. Rhett Rodriguez was halfway through his freshman year when ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ dismissed his dad.
Rick Neuheisel and his wife, Susan, sat down with the eldest of their three sons to discuss his options.
“You didn’t get fired,†they told him. “You didn’t do anything wrong.â€
They knew Jerry had made friends and was enjoying school at his parents’ alma mater. They knew the next UCLA coach, Jim Mora, had a strong résumé and was himself a coach’s son. They advised Jerry to go through spring practice and reassess his situation at that point.
“Jim Mora was terrific to him,†said Rick Neuheisel, who works as a studio analyst for CBS Sports. “What you’re seeing is Kevin Sumlin doing the exact same thing for Rhett.â€
Jerry Neuheisel played sparingly as a reserve in 2013. Hundley, the prized recruit Rick Neuheisel never coached, had established himself as the starter the previous season.
But on Sept. 13, 2014, Hundley got hurt in the first quarter against Texas. Not only did Jerry Neuheisel enter the game, he led the Bruins to a 20-17 victory — throwing the winning 33-yard touchdown pass to Jordan Payton with three minutes remaining. As the game took place at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, the first sentence of the Los Angeles Times’ game story read: “This truly was Jerry’s World.â€
Rick Neuheisel was working for Pac-12 Networks at their studios in San Francisco and just about lost his mind. He usually would monitor eight games when not on set.
“When Brett got hurt, I said, ‘Guys, you’re going to have to pay attention to these other seven,’†Neuheisel recalled. “I couldn’t sit down anymore. I stood up, three feet from the screen, coaching like I was in the game — chastising him, congratulating him, ripping play calls. I was a psychopath.
“For those who had to endure that, I apologize again.â€
No apologies were necessary.
“Watching Rick erupt was awesome,†Pac-12 Networks host Mike Yam said. “I’ve gotten to know Rick and his family well. I can honestly say I don’t think I ever saw him so happy. The pride he had in that moment was so special to see. I’ve been at Pac-12 Networks since we launched, and that is one of the best moments we had.â€
Rick Neuheisel obviously was elated with the outcome. He even got to interview his son on the air after the game.
Watching it all unfold was agonizing. Being the parent of a Division I college football player is relatively rare. But any parent can relate to the feeling of helplessness from watching their child perform, no matter the size of the stage or the intensity of the spotlight.
“It’s no different than watching your daughter at a piano recital or your son getting the ball to pitch in a Little League game,†Rick Neuheisel said. “You live and die with them out there.â€

Rhett Rodriguez, former coach Rich Rodriguez’s son, will make his first start for ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ this week at UCLA. His dad was fired after six seasons at UA.
Pulling for Rhett
Neuheisel considers himself fortunate that he was working at the time. It’s been less than 10 months since Rodriguez was fired. It also happened late in the job cycle. He’s out of football this fall for the first time in about 40 years.
“Going to the games, sitting in the stands, would have been awkward,†Neuheisel said. “That’s my team. Those are all the guys I recruited.â€
Neuheisel knew what he’d hear if he was in the stadium. His wife did hear it: “They’re so much better than last year.â€
“You can’t help but take it personally,†Neuheisel said.
Rodriguez has attended every home game, plus Houston on the road. His viewing experience is unlike anyone’s around him. If UA fans are making snide comments, it’s entirely possible Rodriguez doesn’t hear them — especially when his son is on the field. He made three relief appearances before the Utah game.
“I’m watching every play from a scheme standpoint, thinking about what call I would make,†Rich Rodriguez said. “I don’t know if I’ve had any conversations during the game other than what was happening in the game.â€
Neuheisel experienced an interesting and unexpected transformation the first time his son took the field in a UCLA uniform. Whatever bitter feelings Rick might have had toward UCLA immediately vanished. He compared it to taking a magic pill that instantly makes all the pain go away.
“All that was gone in a New York second,†Neuheisel said. “It was amazing how fast that dissipated when old No. 11 came into the game.â€
Rodriguez undoubtedly felt the same way about No. 4. It will be that much more intense seeing Rhett in person in the same building where another son of a fired coach once played.
Neuheisel, who works in New York on Saturdays, will stay up late to watch.
“I have torn feelings because they’re playing UCLA,†Neuheisel said. “But I can promise you I’ll be pulling for Rhett.â€
Photos: ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats quarterback Rhett Rodriguez through the years
Washington St ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Football

ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ quarterback Rhett Rodriguez will make his first career start when the Wildcats visit UCLA on Saturday.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Oregon State08-my

Rhett Rodriguez, seen here against Oregon State earlier this season, led the Wildcats into scoring position five times during ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥â€™s 42-10 loss to Utah in Salt Lake City last week.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Utah Football

Kevin Sumlin said quarterback Rhett Rodriguez looked “comfortable and poised†against Utah last week.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ at Utah college football

Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune Utes head coach Kyle Whittingham talks with ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats quarterback Rhett Rodriguez (4) after the game as the University of Utah hosts the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City, Friday Oct. 12, 2018. Utah defeated ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ 42-10.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ vs. Utah college football

Utah defensive end Nick Heninger (96) hurries the pass from ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ quarterback Rhett Rodriguez (4) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Oct. 12, 2018, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ at Utah college football

ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ quarterback Rhett Rodriguez (4) is sacked by Utah defensive end Caleb Repp, bottom, during the second half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Oct. 12, 2018, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ vs Southern Utah

Rhett Rodriguez gets to throw, taking the field in the fourth quarter against Southern Utah and serving as Khalil Tate's backup quarterback.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats spring football scrimmage

ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats quarterback Rhett Rodriguez (4) passes during the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats spring football scrimmage on April 7, 2018, at ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Stadium in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. The spring game is April 14 at 5 p.m.
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ spring game

Quarterback Rhett Rodriguez gets off the pass as the pocket closes in around hime at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s spring game in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Stadium, Saturday, April 14, 2018, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ vs. UTEP

ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ quarterback Rhett Rodriguez uncorks a pass in the fourth quarter of Friday's win over UTEP in El Paso.Â
Northern ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ University vs. University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ college football

Freshman quarterback Rhett Rodriguez played in the Wildcats’ Week 1 win over Northern ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥. He is one of eight coaches’ sons currently playing major college football.
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥

Quarterback Rhett Rodriguez cocks to throw while working out at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥â€™s practice session, Saturday, August 5, 2017, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz.
Catalina Foothills vs Scottsdale Saguaro

Foothills quarterback Chris Kowalcek, right, replaced former Falcon Rhett Rodriguez, who was a four-year starter.
Rhett Rodriguez

Catalina Foothills quarterback Rhett Rodriguez (4) drops back to pass during the second quarter of the Catalina Foothills vs. Scottsdale Saguaro Class 4A state high school championship football game at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. Mike Christy / ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
Rhett Rodriguez

Catalina Foothills quarterback Rhett Rodriguez (4) takes off out of the pocket during the first quarter of the Catalina Foothills vs. Scottsdale Saguaro Class 4A state high school championship football game at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. Mike Christy / ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
Rhett Rodriguez

Catalina Foothills quarterback Rhett Rodriguez (4) bulls his way into the end zone for a touchdown during the fourth quarter of the Catalina Foothills vs. Scottsdale Saguaro Class 4A state high school championship football game at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. Saguaro won the championship 42-14. Mike Christy / ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
UA football recruits

Catalina Foothills senior Rhett Rodriguez talks about playing football for his father, University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ football coach Rich Rodriguez, after signing his national letter of intent in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ on Feb 1, 2017. A.E. Araiza / ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
Rhett Rodriguez

Pusch Ridge's Paul Bertelsen (44) just manages to get a hand on the toe of Catalina Foothills' Rhett Rodriguez (4) and trip up his leaping run in the third quarter of their game at Catalina Foothills High School, Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. Kelly Presnell / ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
Rhett Rodriguez

Catalina Foothills' Rhett Rodriguez (4) scoots into the end zone to put the Falcons back up 21-14 late in the fourth quarter against Pusch Ridge at Catalina Foothills High School, Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. Kelly Presnell / ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
UA football recruits

Catalina Foothills senior Rhett Rodriguez gets his hair arranged by his mother, Rita, after signing his national letter of intent Wednesday.
UA football recruits

Catalina Foothills senior Rhett Rodriguez watches as his father, UA football coach Rich Rodriguez, signs his portion of the quarterback’s letter of intent to play for the Wildcats. At right is Rhett’s sister, Raquel.
Catalina Foothills vs. Scottsdale Saguaro in the 4A high school football championship

Catalina Foothills quarterback Rhett Rodriguez (4) bulls his way into the end zone for a touchdown during the fourth quarter. Mike Christy / ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
Catalina Foothills vs. Scottsdale Saguaro in the 4A high school football championship

Catalina Foothills quarterback Rhett Rodriguez (4) congratulates Scottsdale Saguaro's Kyle Soelle (3) after the game. Mike Christy / ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
Catalina Foothills vs. Scottsdale Saguaro in the 4A high school football championship

Catalina Foothills quarterback Rhett Rodriguez (4) takes off out of the pocket during the first quarter. Mike Christy / ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
Catalina Foothils vs Pusch Ridge

Catalina Foothills quarterback Rhett Rodriguez scoots into the end zone during the fourth quarter of a game against Pusch Ridge Christian in September. The son of UA football coach Rich Rodriguez will lead the Falcons into Saturday’s Class 4A state championship game.
Football Foothills vs. Nogales

After piling up the wins at Catalina Foothills High School, Rhett Rodriguez is seeking his first win as a UA starter.
Rhett Rodriguez

Rhett Rodriguez took part in Catalina Foothills’ Senior Night last month with his parents, Rita and Rich. Rhett has spent the last four seasons as the Falcons’ starting quarterback.
Rhett Rodriguez

Rhett and Rich Rodriguez share a laugh before the UA’s 2013 home upset win over Oregon.
Pusch Ridge Christian vs. Catalina Foothills

Pusch Ridge's Paul Bertelsen (44) just manages to get a hand on the toe of Catalina Foothills quarterback Rhett Rodriguez (4) and trip up his leaping run in the third quarter of their game at Catalina Foothills High School, Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. Kelly Presnell / ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
Catalina Foothills vs. Cienega high school football

Catalina Foothills quarterback Rhett Rodriguez (4) scrambles away from pressure during the fourth quarter of the Catalina Foothills vs. Cienega high school football game at Cienega High School in Vail, Ariz., Friday, Sept. 4, 2015. The Falcons won 23-17. Photo by Mike Christy / ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
RhettRod

Rhett Rodriguez, right, and his family after he committed to UA.Â
Catalina Foothills vs. Cienega

Cienega's Chris Vega (1) and Dillon Howell (24) team up to bring down Catalina Foothills' Rhett Rodriguez (4) during the first quarter of the Catalina Foothills vs. Cienega high school football game at Cienega High School in Vail, Ariz., Friday, Sept. 4, 2015. Mike Christy / ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
Catalina Foothills vs. Cienega

Cienega's Mason Craig (80) chases down Catalina Foothills' Rhett Rodriguez (4) during the first quarter of the Catalina Foothills vs. Cienega high school football game at Cienega High School in Vail, Ariz., Friday, Sept. 4, 2015. Mike Christy / ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
Pueblo vs. Catalina Foothills

Catalina Foothills' Rhett Rodriguez (4) finds himself surrounded by Pueblo players as he scampers up the middle in the second quarter of their game at Catalina Foothills High School, Friday, Aug. 28, 2015, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. Kelly Presnell / ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
Catalina Foothills High School football

Rhett
Rodriguez
Catalina Foothills vs. Flowing Wells

Catalina Foothills quarterback Rhett Rodriguez (4) throws under pressure from Flowing Wells' Dionte Flores (24)during the first quarter of the Catalina Foothills vs. Flowing Wells high school football game on Oct. 10, 2014. Foothills handed the home team its first loss of the season with a 41-14 win.
092116-spt-hsfb feature-p5

Catalina Foothills High School quarterback Rhett Rodriguez works with the scout team offense during the varsity team's practice at the school, 4300 E. Sunrise Dr., on Sept. 20, 2016, in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. Mike Christy / ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥