UCLA needed only three days to find its replacement for Chip Kelly.
DeShaun Foster, a former UCLA running back who served as the Bruins’ running backs coach for the past seven years, was officially hired as UCLA’s new head coach on Monday.
A leader of young men and a true Bruin. Introducing UCLA Football Head Coach DeShaun Foster.
— UCLA Football (@UCLAFootball) February 12, 2024
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"While undergoing a comprehensive search for our new head coach, DeShaun resonated from the start and throughout the whole process," UCLA athletic director Martin Jarmond said in a news release. "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 played for the Bruins from 1998-2001 and is one of the top running backs in UCLA history, earning enshrinement in the UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame in 2022. He went on to play in the NFL for seven years, spending six seasons with the Carolina Panthers and one with the San Francisco 49ers.
Foster was set to return to the NFL as he was hired just 10 days ago as the running backs coach for the Las Vegas Raiders, but Foster is now back with his alma mater as the program’s new leader as the Bruins prepare for their first season in the Big Ten.
"This is a dream come true," Foster said. "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."
Kelly, who was UCLA’s head coach for the past six years, left the Bruins on Friday to become Ohio State’s new offensive coordinator.
