Taylor Mazzone promoted by UCLA from grad assistant to receivers coach

When Marques Tuiasosopo left UCLA for Washington, Bruins head coach Jim Mora had an opening to fill on his coaching staff. As it turns out, Mora didn't have to go far to find a replacement as he promoted Taylor Mazzone from graduate assistant to Y receivers coach.

Mazzone, the son of UCLA offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone, said Mora initially approached him about a possible promotion following the Holiday Bowl. The younger Mazzone said Mora told him UCLA would like to keep him, and if a spot opened up on the staff, there could be a position for him.

The 25-year-old Mazzone said the promotion was a great opportunity and being able to land in the Pac-12 for his first coaching job was unbelievable. Mazzone's background is mostly in coaching quarterbacks, but he has worked with receivers before and said he has learned a lot from wide receiver coach Eric Yarber.

Mazzone has already hit the road recrutiting, although it's yet to be determined if he will take over Tuiasosopo's role of recruiting the Northwest and San Diego.