UCLA Fires Coach DeShaun Foster After Winless Start

In a significant move, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) has terminated the contract of head football coach DeShaun Foster following a disappointing start to the season. The Bruins opened the year with an 0-3 record, prompting the decision by the university’s athletic department.

Foster’s Tenure at UCLA

DeShaun Foster, a former All-American running back for the Bruins, was in his second year as head coach. His overall record during his brief tenure stands at 5-10. The current season commenced with a heavy 43-10 loss to Utah at home, followed by two consecutive defeats against teams from the Mountain West Conference. The losses have raised concerns about the direction of the program.

UCLA’s athletic director, Martin Jarmond, expressed regret over the circumstances that led to Foster’s dismissal. He acknowledged that the late start to the season, combined with the transition to the Big Ten Conference, placed Foster in a challenging position. “I regret putting Deshaun in that situation where we were going into the Big Ten and even though we were supported from a resource perspective, getting a start so late really disadvantaged the beginning to his coaching career here,” Jarmond stated.

Struggles on the Field

The Bruins faced mounting pressure after their lackluster performances. Following the defeat to Utah, UCLA suffered a narrow 30-23 loss to UNLV in Las Vegas. The team then faced New Mexico, a squad expected to finish near the bottom of the Mountain West, but the Bruins were stunned by a 35-10 defeat. After the game, Foster candidly remarked on the dire state of the program, saying, “It’s pretty low right now. I’ve been around this program for a long time, and it’s just unfortunate what’s going on at this moment. Just not executing.”

The defense, which had been a strength in previous seasons, has been particularly problematic this year. The Bruins’ defense is currently allowing an alarming average of 431 yards per game, ranking as the worst in the Big Ten and 118th in the nation.

Interim Leadership and Future Prospects

In light of Foster’s dismissal, Tim Skipper, who had been serving as the special assistant to Foster, has been appointed as the interim head coach for the remainder of the season. Jarmond emphasized the importance of a thorough search for Foster’s successor, stating, “We’re going to take our time with the search. It’s an attractive job; it’s not an easy job.” He also noted that the circumstances surrounding this coaching search are markedly different from the previous one, citing the support from the campus and the transition to the Big Ten as factors that could make the position more appealing to potential candidates.

The search for a new head coach will be led by Jarmond and executive senior associate athletic director Erin Adkins, with assistance from a committee of sports and business executives, as well as notable UCLA alumni. Jarmond expressed confidence in his ability to hire coaches capable of leading the program to success, stating, “I’m very confident in my ability to hire coaches to win championships. I’ve done it.”

Impact on Recruiting

Foster’s firing has already had repercussions on the Bruins’ recruiting efforts. Since the announcement, UCLA has lost three commitments from its 2026 recruiting class, including four-star offensive tackle Johnnie Jones, who is ranked No. 196 in the 2026 SportsCenter NEXT 300. The loss of recruits underscores the challenges that the program will face as it seeks to rebuild and attract talent moving forward.

In a statement following his dismissal, Foster expressed his disappointment over the outcome of his tenure, saying, “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.”

As UCLA navigates this transitional period, the focus will be on finding a new leader who can restore the program’s competitive edge and foster a positive environment for both players and fans alike. The Bruins now look ahead to the remainder of the season under interim leadership while preparing for the future.

Key Facts

– UCLA fired head football coach DeShaun Foster after an 0-3 start to the season.
– Foster’s overall record at UCLA was 5-10 during his tenure.
– The Bruins suffered significant losses to Utah (43-10), UNLV (30-23), and New Mexico (35-10).
– Tim Skipper has been appointed as the interim head coach.
– UCLA’s defense has allowed an average of 431 yards per game, ranking last in the Big Ten.
– The school will honor Foster’s contract, which includes a buyout exceeding $5 million.
– The search for a new head coach will be led by Martin Jarmond and Erin Adkins, with a committee of advisors.

Source: www.espn.com