Neuheisel wanted Norm Chow and DeWayne Walker to be his coordinators, and wouldn't take no for an answer.

First, he convinced Walker to stay on board as defensive coordinator. Then, they double-teamed to lure Chow, 62, away from his Manhattan Beach home to run UCLA's offense.

The result is a five-star coaching staff with sterling credentials.

Chow and Walker have ties to Brigham Young, and will be making a homecoming of sorts on Saturday when the Bruins visit Provo.

"I think both those guys have a great deal of pride from the time they spent there and have great memories both individually and collectively from what was accomplished while they were there," Neuheisel said. "I think they both are big admirers of LaVell Edwards and what he brought. He is a great ambassador to college football."

While Walker spent only one season at BYU, Chow coached in Provo for 27 years. It's where he first gained acclaim as an offensive mastermind, and solidified that status once he moved to USC.

Chow, who declined comment for this story, was a three-year letterman at guard for Utah. He has groomed three Heisman Trophy-winning quarterbacks, including BYU's Ty Detmer.

His latest pupil is Kevin Craft, a third-stringer who was elevated to starter for UCLA after injuries to Patrick Cowan and Ben Olson.

"It is exciting if you are a prospect to get to work with Coach Chow and take advantage of everything he can teach," Craft said. "He is big on attention to detail and the little things are what matter to him."

Neuheisel made two house visits and offered Chow the keys to his BMW to get Chow to UCLA.

The first game of the season proved why.

Chow's play-calling helped UCLA upset Tennessee despite Craft throwing four interceptions and UCLA losing a starting running back, tight end and receiver to injury in the first half.

Neuheisel knows the staff recruiting will pay dividends in player recruiting in the long run.

"I guess the biggest noticeable influence is that every quarterback in the country calls us wanting to see if they can come," Neuheisel said earlier this season. "There's great allure to Norm Chow."