UCLA has made a significant coaching change, appointing former NFL running back DeShaun Foster as its new football coach. The 44-year-old, who served as the Bruins’ running backs coach for the past seven seasons, had recently been hired by the Las Vegas Raiders for the same role. However, Foster chose to remain with UCLA, expressing his excitement about becoming the head coach at his alma mater. The whole team burst into enjoyment and joy as UCLA’s athletic director, Martin Jarmond announced Foster as the head coach.
Major goosebumps! This is great @MartinJarmond & @DeShaunFoster26
— ESPN Los Angeles (@ESPNLosAngeles) February 13, 2024
In a statement, DeShaun Foster shared his enthusiasm, stating, “This is a dream come true. I always envisioned being a Bruin ever since I was young, and now being the head coach at my alma mater is such a surreal feeling, and I’m grateful for this opportunity. The foundation of this program will be built on discipline, respect, and enthusiasm.” Foster also acknowledged the quality of the squad as he said “These are phenomenal young men, and I’m excited to hit the ground running.”
A leader of young men and a true Bruin. Introducing UCLA Football Head Coach DeShaun Foster.
➡️ https://t.co/v1lb7NlDDf#GoBruins pic.twitter.com/pNPiowhyuT
— UCLA Football (@UCLAFootball) February 12, 2024
UCLA Bruins athletic director delighted with DeShaun Foster’s appointment
The Bruins had an 8-5 record under former coach Chip Kelly in 2023, and Kelly recently resigned to take over as the offensive coordinator at Ohio State. DeShaun Foster’s appointment aligns with UCLA’s search for a coach with qualities such as integrity, energy, passion, teaching ability, recruiting skills, and a commitment to navigating the NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) landscape.
Martin Jarmond, expressed his satisfaction with DeShaun Foster’s selection, stating, “DeShaun checks all of those boxes and then some. He is a leader of men and a true Bruin. I am excited to partner with him as we usher UCLA Football into an exciting new era.”
We got our guy! ✍️ @DeShaunFoster26 pic.twitter.com/Dn6V8ZPPsF
— UCLA Athletics (@UCLAAthletics) February 12, 2024
Foster, a former star running back for the Bruins from 1998 to 2001, was a second-round pick in the 2002 NFL Draft by the Carolina Panthers. He spent six of his seven NFL seasons with the Panthers and played his final season with the San Francisco 49ers in 2008.
Foster has been part of the UCLA coaching staff since working as a student assistant in 2013, and he joined as the running backs coach in 2016. The Bruins, under Foster’s leadership, will kick off their season against Hawaii on August 31 in Oahu, Hawaii.
