UCLA unveiled DeShaun Foster as their newest head coach on Monday, marking a significant shift in the team’s leadership.
Foster, who just recently agreed to leave UCLA to join the Las Vegas Raiders as their running backs coach, boasts an illustrious background as both a player and assistant coach, earning a revered spot in the UCLA Hall of Fame and enjoying a seven-season stint in the NFL. Amongst a competitive pool of 11 contenders, Foster’s candidacy shone brightly, despite many of his rivals currently occupying head coaching positions.
“This is a dream come true,” Foster said in a statement. “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. These are phenomenal young men, and I’m excited to hit the ground running.”
UCLA leadership commended Foster’s remarkable ability to inspire and command authority within any setting. Sources reveal that school officials anticipate Foster’s resonance within the Los Angeles market, foreseeing his aptitude for recruitment and fundraising as invaluable assets.
Renowned for nurturing NFL-caliber running backs during his tenure as a UCLA assistant coach, Foster emerged as the clear favorite among the current players. With experience under the tutelage of esteemed mentors like Kliff Kingsbury, Jim Mora, and Chip Kelly, as well as having competed in a Super Bowl under the guidance of John Fox, Foster certainly knows the game well.
Athletic director Martin Jarmond expressed utmost confidence in Foster’s appointment, stating, “While undergoing a comprehensive search for our new head coach, DeShaun resonated from the start and throughout the whole process. We are looking for a coach with integrity, energy and passion; someone who is a great teacher, who develops young men, is a great recruiter and fully embraces the NIL landscape to help our student-athletes. 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.”
Foster assumes the reins from Kelly, who recently departed to assume the role of offensive coordinator at Ohio State, heralding a new era for the UCLA football program.
