Defensive Coordinator Aliotti Will Be Back

UCLA Coach Bob Toledo, ending the uncertainty, said that embattled defensive coordinator Nick Aliotti will be retained for next season.

Toledo had said he would not make final evaluations of his staff until after the Rose Bowl and had avoided making any long-term commitment to Aliotti.

But Saturday night, as the Bruins arrived at their Century City hotel to officially kick off festivities leading up to Friday’s game against Wisconsin, Toledo said:

“Nick’s going to be with us.”

Aliotti is in his first season as UCLA’s defensive coordinator. He took over an inexperienced unit that has been hindered by injuries.

The Bruins have allowed 432.5 yards a game, 99th among the 112 Division I-A schools. They allowed 689 yards and 49 points in the loss to Miami on Dec. 5 that cost them a chance at the national championship.

Toledo had placed much of the blame for the team’s disappointing defensive play on his staff during the season, although he said responsibility for the showing against the Hurricanes fell to players because the coaches had them in position to make plays.

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Continuing a recovery that has amazed everyone, Freddie Mitchell returned to practice Saturday amid indications he will probably play a limited role against Wisconsin.

Mitchell was the No. 1 man on punt and kickoff returns and the backup flanker--and dangerous at all three spots--when he broke his left leg Sept. 19 at Houston.

The injury was supposed to end his season, but the possibility began to emerge earlier this month that Mitchell could play in a bowl game.

Team physician Gerald Finerman said about three weeks ago that Mitchell has “healed his fracture faster than anyone I’ve seen.”

But it doesn’t figure to translate into much.

Toledo said if Mitchell does play against the Badgers, it will be for only a handful of plays at receiver, and none as the return man.

“I want to play,” Mitchell said. “It’s just up to Toledo. If I can play, maybe I can put a few points on the scoreboard.”

Saturday didn’t offer much optimism for that.

“It looks like he has a little hitch in his giddy-up,” Toledo said, noting a limp in Mitchell’s strides. “He’s not fluid yet. But I’m amazed he’s out here.”

Mitchell was excited about that.

“I was actually talking trash today,” he said, the surest sign he is returning to normal. “It felt good to talk some trash, let the boys know I was back.”

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As expected, All-Pacific 10 Conference linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo rejoined the Bruins on Saturday, his first significant activity since suffering a sprained knee ligament early in the Dec. 5 game against Miami.

What was not expected was that it was a struggle.

“I thought I’d be able to have more lateral movement and be able to cut more,” Ayanbadejo said. “All I could basically do is run forward. I’m limited.

“I thought I was farther along than I really was. Three days after I sprained it the first time [Oct. 10 at Arizona], I was farther along than I am now.”

The injury, also to the left leg, was not as serious that time, though.

But Ayanbadejo said there is no doubt he will play against Wisconsin.

“I’m definitely on,” he said.