When the UCLA Bruins lost Chip Kelly late in the coaching cycle after the 2023 season, there were limited options to take over as their next head coach. So, the Bruins turned internally, promoting DeShaun Foster to head coach. That was exciting for Foster, but it was also an intimidating proposition. Now entering his second […]
When the UCLA Bruins lost Chip Kelly late in the coaching cycle after the 2023 season, there were limited options to take over as their next head coach. So, the Bruins turned internally, promoting DeShaun Foster to head coach. That was exciting for Foster, but it was also an intimidating proposition.
Now entering his second season as the head coach at UCLA, Foster can admit he was scared a season ago. Luckily, going into the 2025 season, he’s become much more confident.
“Oh, I was scared,” DeShaun Foster said. “I was scared, nervous, you know. I’ve never been scared on the football field, but it was a nervous feeling just because it was brand new and I’d never been in that position. I’m nowhere near where we were last year. So, I feel pretty good.”
DeShaun Foster showed some of his nerves last year before the season began at Big Ten Media Days. There, he seemed to freeze up, and it made for an awkward introduction to the new coach as he took over a program for the first time. That, of course, coincided with UCLA making the move to the Big Ten for the first time. This year, he was able to mock himself for that moment.
“Well, everyone, I’m back,” Foster said. “Last year, I stood up here and reminded everyone that UCLA is in LA, which looking back, might have been the most obvious geography lesson in Big Ten history. We’re stating clearly we are in LA and we’re proud to be in LA, and this year, we’re ready to show the Big Ten what LA football looks like when it’s firing on all cylinders. That moment speaking to you last year taught me a valuable lesson: Authenticity resonates more deeply than perfection. Our players saw me being human, and it brought us closer together. We’ve been joking about it for about a year now. The players know that that same genuine approach is how we coach, recruit and build this program.”
On the field, UCLA got off to a slow start, opening the season just 1-5. Within Big Ten play, the Bruins got their feet under them better and finished the year on a 4-2 run. That wasn’t good enough to make it to a bowl game, but it did show some important growth as everyone became more comfortable.
Now, DeShaun Foster is ready for an exciting season next year. Led by transfer quarterback Nico Iamaleava, there is an opportunity for the Bruins to open the season with a statement win over Utah.
DeShaun Foster calls out media in explanation of restricted access to UCLA player
One notable move made by DeShaun Foster as head coach has been to limit questions regarding players. That is, as he explained, because the media can give away an edge to opponents.
“You guys film our practice and put it online. If I was an opponent for another team, I’d look right as your guys’ stuff and see what’s going on. For them not to get a beat on Tino or our depth or anything that’s going on, that’s why it’s closed. No, I’ll let you guys handle all that. I’m not worried about the marketing because what marketing does, if you win games, you’re marketed. So we’re going to go out there and focus on winning games. That’s why we left for training camp,” Foster said.
“But if I was just trying to just let everything be open, we could’ve just stayed right here and did that. We’re going to work and go away and come back, and everything’s going to be fine.”
Category: General Sports
