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WESTWOOD (CBS) — UCLA head coach Rick Neuheisel reacted publicly for the first time Monday to getting fired.

“I’m a little numb, still,” Neuheisel said. “To be quite honest, it will hurt immensely when I kind of come to…because this has always been my dream.”

“But, I’m also always going to be thankful to Dan, and to those who gave me this opportunity, because it was real while it lasted and I’m just sorry we didn’t accomplish more.”

Neuheisel will, however, coach the Bruins, 6-6, in the inaugural PAC-12 championship game Friday versus the Oregon Ducks in Eugene. UCLA is a 31-point underdog.

“I was told that they would like me to. I would have asked had they said not to, because it’s important to finish what you start.”

“Ultimately, as I’ve preached to these kids, it’s not how many times you get knocked down it’s how many times you get back up.”

Neuheisel was signed to a five-year coaching deal at UCLA that was to expire at the end of next season. His four-year record at UCLA was 21-28.

“I have a great deal of respect for Rick Neuheisel and the manner in which he has run this program during his tenure as UCLA head football coach,” UCLA Athletic Director Dan Guerrero said. “Decisions such as this one do not come without a great deal of heartache. However, it is apparent to me that a move was necessary at this time in order to give UCLA the best chance to enjoy the success that we all desire.”

After Neuheisel’s departure, offensive coordinator/wide receivers coach Mike Johnson will take over as head coach on an interim basis. According to the university, a national search will be conducted for a new head coach.

“Rick Neuheisel’s strong personal values, integrity and tenacity made this decision extremely difficult for Dan Guerrero and the university,” UCLA Chancellor Gene Block. “We wish Rick the best in his future endeavors.”

The Bruins lost to cross-town rival USC, 50-0 Saturday night at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

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