 In 1970, he coached the Ducks to an improbable comeback at UCLA, scoring 20 points in the final four minutes of the game to beat UCLA 41–40.However, Frei was unable to defeat arch-rival Oregon State, and after the 1971 loss some influential boosters reportedly were demanding that he make significant changes to his coaching staff.On January 18, 1972, Frei resigned as head coach, citing disagreements with university boosters and Athletic Director Norv Ritchey.