| Alan Borges |
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Alan Borges, one of the most versatile offensive coaches in the nation, was one of Bob Toledo's first hires, joining the Bruin staff on January 11, 1996. He came to UCLA after one year as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at the University of Oregon (1995). He had previously served as a coordinator at Portland State and Boise State.
Under Borges' direction, the Bruins have produced record-setting numbers for passing offense, total offense and points scored. All-America quarterback Cade McNown, the 1998 Pac-10 co-offensive Player of the Year, became the most productive passer in school history and a first-round selection of the Chicago Bears. As a senior in 1998, McNown won the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm award and finished third in the Heisman Trophy voting. He completed his career as the all-time Pac-10 leader (11,285) in total offense. In addition, wide receiver Danny Farmer became only the fourth Bruin to record over 1,000 receiving yards in a season, setting a school mark with 1,274 in 1998. In 1999, Farmer concluded his career as the all-time leader in receiving yards with 3,020 yards. The 1999 Rose Bowl was the third bowl game of his career (two at UCLA and one at Oregon).
In 1997, UCLA ranked third nationally in scoring and its 477 points set a new school season mark. The Bruins' average of 433.0 yards ranked 13th nationally and Skip Hicks set a Pac-10 record by scoring 25 regular-season touchdowns. In Borges' first year, 1996, McNown twice passed for over 350 yards in a game, Hicks scored a school-record (since broken) 20 touchdowns and UCLA produced its second-highest scoring average since the 1988 season.
In 1995, Oregon led the Pac-10 in passing offense (263.8 yards) and ranked second in both total offense (406.3 yards) and scoring (29.1 points). Quarterback Tony Graziani led the league in total offense (272.9 yards) and passing yards (249.1). Tailback Ricky Whittle paced the league in all-purpose yards per game (164.0). In addition, wide receiver Cristin McLemore produced the second-best numbers in school history with 61 catches for 1,010 yards.
Prior to taking the Oregon job, Borges was the offensive coordinator for the late Pokey Allen at both Boise State (1993 and 1994) and Portland State (1986-92). The tandem consistently conjured up some of the most sophisticated offensive schemes in the country and advanced to the NCAA playoffs. In 1994, Boise went 13-2, winning the Big Sky Conference and playing for the Division I-AA championship. The Bronco offense ranked 19th nationally and quarterback Tony Hilde ranked eighth in total offense and 16th in passing efficiency.
Portland State compiled a 63-26-2 mark during Borges' seven years as offensive coordinator and earned a berth in the NCAA Division II playoffs five times, playing for the national title in 1987 and 1988. In 1992, the Vikings ranked second in Division II in passing offense (361.1 yards), fourth in total offense (489.2) and seventh in scoring (36.9). PSU was also listed second in passing in 1989. Borges tutored three All-America quarterbacks during his tenure - John Charles (1992), Darren Del'Andrae (1989) and Chris Crawford (1988).
Borges began coaching at the high school level in the state of California, assisting at Salinas (1975-78) and Pleasant Valley (1979-80), while still attending Chico State. He played at North Salinas and Hartnell Junior College before embarking on his coaching career. He assisted at Salinas High again in 1981 before taking his first collegiate job at Diablo Valley College (1983-85) in the Bay Area. He also spent 1984-85 as a defensive assistant with the USFL's Oakland Invaders before joining the Portland State staff.
RECRUITING RESPONSIBILITIES - Local and National: quarterbacks.
PERSONAL - Education: Bachelor's in Physical Education, Chico State, 1981; At UCLA: Fifth year (joined staff on Jan. 11, 1996); Born: October 8, 1955; Family: Alan is one of seven children and is married to the former Nikki Federico.
