DeLoach off UCLA's books; UNT next It's now January 22, which for UNT football fans means Gary DeLoach should be named the Mean Green's defensive coordinator any day. DeLoach, the former safeties/special teams coach at UCLA, is expected to replace Ron Mendoza, who was fired after a 2-10 season. At UCLA, DeLoach was hired on or before January 14, 2003, meaning he has met the required five-year tenure to receive full monthly benefits from the California educator/coach retirement system. DeLoach coached at North Texas from 1998 to 2002, the last three seasons as defensive coordinator. He spent several years coaching in Texas at the high school level (one season), as well as UNT, Texas A&M, Stephen F. Austin and Trinity Valley Community College. DeLoach, 53, could have stayed at UCLA but chose to be closer to his mother and other family in Houston. He interviewed with UNT coach Todd Dodge several weeks ago, and sources say he's been the top guy all along. Dodge still needs a cornerbacks coach after the person he targeted, former Baylor assistant Clay Jennings, accepted the same job at TCU. _ Troy Phillips