Two Legendary Coaches From LA Pac 8 Universities

 

When I began following college sports in the mid to late 1960s, two legendary coaches, both named "John" were in the middle of continuing dynasties.  Both for LA Pac 8 (currently 12) teams. 

UCLA's John Wooden (above) was known as the Wizard Of Westwood (the LA neighborhood that boasts the school), a cerebral coach, who rarely changed his expression, Wooden led the Bruins to 10 NCAA championships in 12 years.    Two of his great players are Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (Lew Alcindor) and Bill Walton. 

USC's John McKay (lower picture) captured 8 conference titles, with 5 Rose Bowl wins.  McKay also had 4 national titles.  His marquee players included OJ Simpson and Mike Garrett.  Another USC legend, Marcus Allen, would play for John Robinson, who took over the program after McKay moved on to the NFL. 

Throughout the decades, UCLA would be the basketball team to beat and USC would be known for its football.  Almost like there was a sign on the LA freeway, basketball players this way, football players, that way. 

Of course, Seattle Seahawk coach Pete Carroll is widely credited for restoring USC's football dynasty. 

Now, we have learned that both LA schools are leaving the Pac 12.  For a WSU fan like myself, there is an air of uncertainty of what will happen next.