Choosing a familiar and beloved figure, UCLA has appointed DeShaun Foster as the new football coach to usher in a new era, succeeding Chip Kelly. The university announced the decision on Monday after a rapid 72-hour search involving 11 interviews and discussions with over 20 potential candidates, aiming to galvanize fans and players loyal to Foster. Despite the considerable risk of having the least experienced head coach in the Big Ten, similar to the hiring of Karl Dorrell over two decades ago, UCLA Athletic Director Martin Jarmond emphasized Foster’s integrity, energy, and player development skills as decisive factors.
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Foster, like Dorrell, has primarily served as a position coach and lacks experience in calling plays, echoing the potential challenges faced in Dorrell’s tenure. The introduction of Foster will take place in a news conference on Tuesday morning inside Pauley Pavilion’s Pavilion Club. Jarmond’s teasing remark to players about having a true Bruin in Foster hints at the deeper connection influencing the hiring decision.
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