UCLA just announced that DeShaun Foster, a former Bruins running back, will now lead the football team as the head coach. He's taking over from Chip Kelly, who got let go after the team's disappointing 4-8 season in 2023.
Foster is no stranger to UCLA; he played for them from 1998 to 2001 and is one of their most celebrated players ever. He holds several records for the school, including most rushing yards in a season (1,571 in 2001), most rushing touchdowns in a season (20 in 2001), and most rushing touchdowns in a career (44).
Additionally, he's ranked second in career rushing yards (3,194) and third in career all-purpose yards (4,020) in UCLA history.
Foster shone brightly at UCLA, earning All-American honors in 2001 and leading the Bruins to two Pac-10 titles and three bowl victories. He was also a finalist for the prestigious Doak Walker Award, recognizing the nation’s top running back, in 2001.
His standout moment came in the 2000 Sun Bowl, where he set a UCLA record by rushing for 301 yards and scoring three touchdowns in a thrilling 29-23 victory over Northwestern.
DeShaun Foster is a retired American football player who currently coaches.After his college success, Foster was picked by the Carolina Panthers in the second round of the 2002 NFL Draft. Spending most of his seven-year NFL career with the Panthers, he notably contributed to the team's journey to Super Bowl XXXVIII in 2004.
In total, Foster amassed 3,336 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns during his time in the NFL.
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After retiring from the NFL in 2008, Foster came back to UCLA as a student assistant coach in 2009. He then moved on to work as a graduate assistant coach at Texas Tech from 2010 to 2011, before rejoining UCLA as the director of player development in 2012. His role evolved to running backs coach in 2013, which he held until 2016.
Ex-Bruins RB DeShaun Foster leads UCLA football.In 2017, Foster ventured to Texas A&M as the running backs coach under former UCLA coach Jim Mora. There, he played a key role in developing standout rushers like Trayveon Williams and Isaiah Spiller, as well as coaching the SEC's top rusher in 2019, Kylin Hill.
Returning to UCLA in 2020, Foster took on the role of associate head coach and running backs coach, reuniting with Kelly, who had coached him during his NFL days with the Philadelphia Eagles. Foster's impact was notable in enhancing UCLA's running game, which ranked third in the Pac-12 and 19th in the nation in 2021, averaging 213.8 yards per game.
In addition, he also guided Brittain Brown, who led the team with 857 rushing yards and nine touchdowns in 2021.
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Foster's appointment marks a significant moment for UCLA, as he becomes the first former Bruins player to lead the football team since Terry Donahue's tenure from 1976 to 1995, which saw five Pac-10 titles and three Rose Bowl victories. Expressing his enthusiasm, Foster stated, "I am honored and thrilled to take the helm of UCLA football, a program deeply dear to me and my family."
Acknowledging the support of Chancellor Block, Athletic Director Martin Jarmond, and the search committee, Foster expressed gratitude for the opportunity. He also thanked Coach Kelly for his guidance and friendship, wishing him well in his future endeavors.
Foster outlined his vision for the team, emphasizing a renewed focus on hard work, accountability, and passion to revive the Bruins' pride and tradition. He aims to compete for championships in the Pac-12 and beyond, leveraging the program's talent, facilities, and academic excellence.
Eager to embark on this journey, Foster affirmed his commitment to leading UCLA football back to its rightful place of prominence. He expressed confidence in the collective efforts of players, staff, and fans to achieve success both on and off the field.
The official introduction of Foster as UCLA's head coach will take place during a press conference on Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024, at 10 a.m. PT. The event will be live-streamed on UCLA Athletics' website and social media channels.
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