Deshaun Foster, a former running back, joins UCLA to take Chip Kelly’s place.

Deshaun Foster, a former running back, joins UCLA to take Chip Kelly’s place.

When Chip Kelly abruptly departed his position as head coach of the UCLA football team to take a job as offensive coordinator at Ohio State, replacing his former NFL assistant Ryan Day, the program was left in a difficult situation. The financially constrained program was obliged to hire someone long after every coach spot on the coaching carousel had been taken, yet it saved roughly $10 million by keeping Kelly on board.

Hence, UCLA alumnus and well-known figure Martin Jarmond was trusted by the athletic director. As UCLA’s next head coach, Jarmond brought on Deshaun Foster, who had run for 1,000 yards as a senior in 2001 and had returned to the program as an assistant coach from 2013–15 and again from 2017–23.

 

 

Foster is returning to his alma institution to help with the transition to the Big Ten after recently leaving Kelly’s staff to take a position as running backs coach for the Las Vegas Raiders under Antonio Pierce.

Foster said in a statement, “This is a dream come true. Since I was a young child, I have always imagined myself to be a Bruin. It feels really strange to be the head coach at my old school, but I’m thankful for the chance.

“The cornerstone of this program will be built on discipline, respect, and enthusiasm,” the newly appointed head coach went on. These young men are incredible, and I can’t wait to get started right away. According to rumors surrounding the coaching search, Foster was chosen not just because the UCLA administration was pleased by his ability to command a room but also because they thought he would prioritize recruiting and funding in the Los Angeles region.

As a head coach, Kelly’s greatest shortcomings always seemed to be recruiting and financing, which probably contributed to his desire to step down in favor of a demotion. Foster was perhaps UCLA’s best opportunity to save its coaching staff and remaining players, having been on staff the previous season.

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