News Summary
UCLA has terminated head coach DeShaun Foster following a harsh start to the season with a 0-3 record. This decision aims to revitalize the football program amidst financial challenges and a high turnover of players. As the search for a new head coach begins, the Bruins are investing $13.5 million to improve their operational outlook. The roster has seen significant upheaval with a mix of new transfers and losses to the transfer portal, raising concerns about team stability and competitive performance in the future.
Los Angeles, CA – In a bid to reclaim its football program’s competitive edge, UCLA terminated head coach DeShaun Foster on Sunday morning after a tumultuous start to the 2025 season. The Bruins have struggled significantly this season, recording an alarming 0-3 record with a cumulative score of 108-43 against their opponents.
Foster, who holds a overall coaching record of 5-10 since taking the helm at UCLA, faced mounting frustration as his squad faltered at the beginning of what was meant to be a promising season. The decision to relieve Foster of his duties reflects the urgency for UCLA to revitalize its football ambitions amidst increasing challenges.
Concerns Over Team Performance and Stability
The Bruins’ struggles have been exacerbated by ongoing financial issues, leading to a high turnover of players through the transfer portal rather than the desired stability and development. This instability has posed significant challenges to team competitiveness, as UCLA frequently lost its top talent, impacting its ability to build a strong roster.
In response to these ongoing challenges, UCLA now plans to direct an investment of $13.5 million into the football program, aimed at enhancing its operational capacity and attractiveness to prospective recruits. The move is seen as pivotal in the landscape of revenue-sharing collegiate sports.
Potential Successor Candidates
As the search for Foster’s replacement commences, former UCLA defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn, currently serving as the DC at USC, emerges as a leading candidate. Lynn is known for his impactful single season with UCLA in 2023 and has garnered respect from influential supporters for his successful track record in strengthening USC’s defense.
In addition to Lynn, other candidates under consideration for the head coaching position include:
- Dave Aranda, current Baylor head coach with strong ties to Southern California.
- Kalani Sitake, head coach at BYU, recognized for cultivating successful teams.
- Tosh Lupoi, Oregon’s defensive coordinator praised for recruitment and defensive strategies.
- Tony White, Florida State’s DC and former UCLA player with local ties.
- Tommy Rees, offensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns and a native of Los Angeles.
- Jason Eck, head coach at New Mexico, noted for his recent victory over UCLA.
Roster Challenges and Future Outlook
UCLA’s struggles are reflected not only in its coaching leadership but also on the field, where the team has seen considerable roster upheaval. This season, the Bruins have experienced the addition of 30 new transfers while losing 14 players to the transfer portal, further complicating team dynamics.
Quarterback Nico Iamaleava, a key transfer addition, has faced difficulties during the early season, currently ranking low among Big Ten quarterbacks in passing yards and QBR. Despite these challenges, running back Anthony Woods has been a standout performer, showcasing impressive skills even with the team’s overall inconsistency.
In terms of recruiting, the Bruins found themselves ranked 21st in the nation at the time of Foster’s firing for the 2026 recruiting class, with promising prospects such as offensive tackle Micah Smith and defensive end Carter Gooden being notable highlights.
Future Challenges Ahead
As the UCLA football program navigates its current turmoil, challenges remain high. The team will continue to face the difficulties of a stadium located nearly an hour away from campus as well as an apathetic fan base. Additionally, the stability of Athletic Director Martin Jarmond’s position has come into question with these recent leadership changes.
With significant investments and a reshaping of the coaching staff on the horizon, UCLA aims to convert its fortunes in the highly competitive Big Ten landscape, ultimately seeking to restore a sense of identity and success to its storied football program.
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Additional Resources
- New York Times: UCLA Coaching Candidates After Foster’s Firing
- Wikipedia: UCLA Bruins Football
- ESPN: UCLA Fires DeShaun Foster
- Google Search: UCLA Football Coaching Changes
- CBS Sports: UCLA Coaching Candidates After Foster’s Firing
- Google News: UCLA Football
- Sports Illustrated: Ten Candidates for UCLA Football Coaching Search
- Encyclopedia Britannica: UCLA Football
- 247 Sports: UCLA Football Coaching Hot Board
- Google Scholar: UCLA Bruins Football History
Author: STAFF HERE BEVERLY HILLS WRITER
The Beverly Hills Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREBeverlyHills.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Rodeo Drive Concours d'Elegance, the Beverly Hills artSHOW, Concerts on Canon, and holiday celebrations throughout the city. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce and Visit Beverly Hills, plus leading businesses in luxury fashion, hospitality, and entertainment that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELosAngeles.com, HERESantaAna.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, and HERECostaMesa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
