Adrian Klemm is out as UCLA’s offensive line coach

UCLA has parted ways with offensive line coach Adrian Klemm less than three weeks before signing day, a person close to the situation confirmed Sunday on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to disclose the information publicly.

Klemm becomes the second Bruins assistant to depart the program after the dismissal of offensive coordinator Kennedy Polamalu in November. UCLA hired Michigan passing game coordinator Jedd Fisch this month to replace Polamalu.

Klemm, 39, presided over an offensive line that was one of the team’s biggest weaknesses last season, giving up 24 sacks, 10 more than in 2015. The line also struggled to open holes for a running game that finished as the second worst among 128 major college football teams, averaging 84.3 yards rushing per game.

Klemm also had been suspended for two games during the 2015 season after committing recruiting violations that included paying for housing and training sessions for two recruits at a private workout facility. The NCAA imposed a $5,000 fine on UCLA in September along with a two-year show-cause order that will require any school attempting to hire Klemm during that period to appear before the NCAA’s Committee on Infractions to present justification for the move.

Asked in December if there was any unease about Klemm remaining on staff in the wake of his violations, Athletic Director Dan Guerrero told The Times, “Had we felt that there were major issues with Adrian Klemm, that decision would have been made a long time ago.”

Klemm had been widely considered a rising star earlier in his five seasons with the Bruins. His offensive line blocked for the top two single-season individual rushing performances in school history, by Johnathan Franklin in 2012 and Paul Perkins in 2014. Klemm had also been selected Pac-12 Conference recruiter of the year by 24/7 Sports in 2012.

His departure comes at an awkward time for UCLA with signing day only a few weeks away. The Bruins have secured commitments from only three offensive linemen — Portland (Ore.) Jesuit High tackle Jaxson Kirkland, Chatsworth Sierra Canyon center Kanan Ray and Scottsdale (Ariz.) Saguaro High tackle Jax Wacaser — even though it’s a particular area of need.

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