UCLA Football: DeShaun Foster Out as Head Coach After Rough Start

The UCLA Bruins are heading in a new direction after the dismissal of head coach DeShaun Foster. The decision comes on the heels of a disappointing 0-3 start to the season, where the Bruins were outscored 108-43, including a notable home defeat against New Mexico.

A Look at Foster’s Tenure

DeShaun Foster, a former standout running back for UCLA, took the helm as head coach in 2024 after a successful stint as the team’s running backs coach for six years. His record at the school stands at 5-10 over two seasons. Despite his legacy as a former player and odes to his contributions on the field, the results have not aligned with expectations.

Foster’s Background

• Age: 45
• Playing Career: Foster enjoyed a six-season NFL career with the Carolina Panthers and San Francisco 49ers.
• Coaching Experience: He served under notable head coaches Jim L. Mora and Chip Kelly prior to his promotion.

Athletic Director’s Statement

Athletic Director Martin Jarmond expressed gratitude for Foster’s service, stating:

"I want to extend my sincere appreciation to DeShaun for his contributions to UCLA Football over the course of many years, first as a Hall of Fame student-athlete, then as an assistant coach and finally as head coach."

Jarmond emphasized that Foster’s commitment to the program, especially during a critical transition period as the Bruins moved to the Big Ten Conference, is commendable.

Interim Leadership & Future Direction

In wake of Foster’s departure, Tim Skipper, currently a special assistant, has been appointed as the interim head coach for the remainder of the season. UCLA has announced the initiation of a comprehensive national search for a new head coach.

Foster’s Reflections

Foster shared his sentiments in a statement, stating:

"Serving as the head coach at UCLA, my beloved alma mater, has been the honor of a lifetime. While I am deeply disappointed that we were unable to achieve the success that our players, fans, and university deserve, I am grateful for the opportunity to have led this program."

He remains optimistic about the program’s future:

"While this chapter ends differently than I had envisioned, UCLA Football has a bright future ahead."

Conclusion: The Road Ahead for UCLA Football

The Bruins aim to revitalize their football program after a tumultuous start to the season. The incoming head coach will inherit a team with rich tradition, promising talent, and outstanding resources to build upon. As UCLA looks to return to prominence in college football, the focus will be on cultivating a winning culture in the years to come.

Related Resources

For more on UCLA’s sports programs, visit the official UCLA Athletics page for updates and future announcements.