Feb. 22, 2010

Carnell Lake, who earned All-America honors at UCLA and All-Pro acclaim in the National Football League, is leaving his position as an assistant football coach, Bruin head coach Rick Neuheisel announced today.

Neuheisel said the departure was for family reasons.

"Carnell did a great job coaching our cornerbacks last season and will always be remembered as a great Bruin," said Neuheisel. "Carnell is also a great father and he felt this was in the best interest of his family. We wish him all the best in the future and know he will still be involved in our program as a proud alum."

"I want to thank Coach Neuheisel for the opportunity he presented to me and I want to thank the members of the staff for allowing me to work with them the past year," said Lake. "I truly enjoyed my time working with the fine young men on our team. I will always be a supporter and fan of the UCLA program. I believe Rick has the ability to steer this program in the right direction."

Lake, 42, joined the staff in January of 2009 and coached the cornerbacks last season. As a unit, UCLA ranked second in the Pac-10 in pass defense and senior Alterraun Verner earned several All-America honors.