News Summary
UCLA has terminated football coach DeShaun Foster after a disappointing 0-3 start to the season, following a significant defeat against New Mexico. Athletic director Martin Jarmond faces growing scrutiny over his management of the football program and decisions regarding coaching hires. Over 100 former players have expressed concern regarding the disconnect between the program and its legacy. As UCLA looks to the future, discussions are ongoing about forming a search committee to find Foster’s successor, with expectations for improved performance in the football program.
UCLA Fires Football Coach DeShaun Foster After Disappointing Start to Season
Los Angeles, CA – UCLA has parted ways with football coach DeShaun Foster following a lackluster start to the season, marked by a damaging 35-10 defeat to New Mexico. This loss sealed the team’s record at 0-3 for the season, prompting athletic director Martin Jarmond to take decisive action.
Jarmond Under Scrutiny
Jarmond has faced increasing criticism regarding his management of the football program, which has seen diminishing performance levels since his tenure began. Under Foster’s leadership, which lasted less than a year after his hiring just weeks after the departure of former coach Chip Kelly, the team’s record stood at 5 wins and 10 losses. Critics have pointed out that Jarmond should have addressed the coaching issues earlier, particularly after opting to extend Kelly’s contract instead of making a change following a disappointing season in 2023.
Former Players Speak Out
A response to Foster’s firing has emerged from a collective of over 100 former UCLA football players, who convened in a Zoom meeting with Jarmond to discuss the troubling state of the program. Reports indicate that Jarmond did not consult these alumni or other former players during the decision-making process surrounding coaching hires, which has arguably contributed to a growing disconnect between the program and its legacy. This disconnect has also affected player recruitment and alumni engagement, important factors for the program’s success.
Future of UCLA Football
In light of Foster’s dismissal, conversations about establishing a search committee to select a new head coach are underway. This may indicate a shift in how UCLA approaches its future coaching decisions. Jarmond has recognized a pressing need for a new strategy, although he has not yet specified the criteria that will guide the selection of Foster’s successor. The reliance on football revenue is critical for UCLA’s athletics, adding pressure on Jarmond to enhance the team’s performance quickly.
Challenges Ahead
While the university’s budget constraints could complicate the potential dismissal of Jarmond, who has recently received a five-year contract extension, there are clear expectations for improvement in the football program. The new chancellor of UCLA, Julio Frenk, has signaled intentions to take a more active role in athletic affairs, a departure from the strategies employed by the previous leadership. This could lead to significant changes in how the football program is managed, with a focus not only on recruiting talent but also on rebuilding relationships with former players.
Conclusion
The firing of DeShaun Foster marks a critical juncture for UCLA football, as stakeholders await the next steps in a program that has struggled to maintain its prestigious reputation in college athletics. With heightened scrutiny on leadership decisions and future directions, the university faces the challenge of revitalizing its football team while ensuring stronger connections with alumni and enhancing overall performance.
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Additional Resources
- UCLA Fires DeShaun Foster
- LA Times: Jarmond Under Fire
- Last Word on Sports: Former Players Respond
- Sports Illustrated: Foster’s Dismissal
- On3: Jarmond’s Challenges
- Wikipedia: UCLA Bruins
- Google Search: UCLA Football
- Google Scholar: UCLA Football Coaching
- Encyclopedia Britannica: UCLA
- Google News: UCLA Football
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.
