Growing in influence, the Pacific Coast Football League underwent several changes before the 1943 season.  Temporarily gone were the Hollywood Bears as owner Paul Schlisser was still overseas; the Oakland Giants returned after a two-year absence; the Alameda Mustangs, Richmond Boilermakers, and the Los Angeles Mustangs joined the league.  Controversy ensued when Los Angeles Mustangs owner Bill Freelove raided the roster of Jerry Corcorans crosstown Bulldogs.  When all was said and done, virtually all the members of the 1942 Bulldogs became members of the 1943 Mustangs.  While the controversy was raging, Hollywood got a “leave of absence” from the league until the return of Schlisser from World War II.  The former Bears (including former player-coach Kink Richards) became Bulldogs for the 1943 season.  Ramifications from Freelove's actions ensued over the next few years. Richmond would leave the PCFL at the end of the season.  On the field, it was all San Diego. The Bombers led the way with an impressive 7-1 record, with the only other team over .500 being the second place Richmond Boilermakers at 3-2.  The rest of the league was .500 or worse.  Since there were no playoffs in 1943, the San Diego Bombers were named the 1943 PCFL Champions.