News Summary
UCLA football coach DeShaun Foster faces mounting pressure following a dismal start to the 2025 season, with fans and analysts questioning his leadership. The Bruins suffered back-to-back losses, including a significant defeat against Utah, raising concerns over team performance and talent gaps. With a critical schedule ahead, suspicions grow that a coaching change may be required if the team fails to secure bowl eligibility, as dissatisfaction among fans increases.
Los Angeles
The future of UCLA football coach DeShaun Foster is in jeopardy following a disappointing start to the 2025 season, which has raised alarms among fans and analysts alike. The Bruins opened the season with consecutive losses, underperforming against teams they were expected to compete with, and leaving the program’s direction in question.
UCLA began the season with hope after acquiring quarterback Nico Iamaleava via the transfer portal. However, the Bruins’ optimism quickly faded when they were defeated 43-10 by Utah in the season opener and then struggled to keep pace with UNLV, ultimately losing 30-23. The latter game was seen as a more significant concern, as the score does not accurately reflect how drastically the Bruins were outplayed.
Discussions among experts have centered on the precarious position of Foster, who is in his second year as head coach after showing promise during his debut season. In 2024, the Bruins recorded multiple wins, fostering expectations that the program would continue to improve. However, with only 33 points scored in their first two games and significant issues on the offensive line and at receiver, questions about Foster’s coaching ability have intensified.
Analysts have pointed out that Foster’s current salary of $3.1 million for the 2025 season is lower compared to that of former coach Chip Kelly, which means that a buyout would be financially feasible for UCLA if the losses continue. Should the university choose to terminate Foster’s contract before December 1, they would owe him 70% of his remaining salary, while that percentage drops to 60% following that date. Despite signing a five-year deal in 2024, Foster is currently the 58th highest-paid coach at public schools and the fourth-lowest in the Power Four conferences.
Critiques of the coaching staff have highlighted Foster’s selection as a “bridge hire,” suggesting that UCLA might have opted for a homegrown choice without the necessary coaching experience. While he remains a popular figure on campus, there are growing concerns about his ability to build a competitive roster quickly as the Bruins continue to battle significant gaps in talent.
The team’s current deficiencies are evident, specifically on their offensive line and at receiver positions, which have hampered Iamaleava’s performance and overall offensive production. In both of their games, UCLA displayed an inability to adapt, allowing 23 first-half points in each matchup and reflecting a lack of preparation and accountability, drawing unfavorable comparisons to past coaching failures.
UCLA’s discipline has further exacerbated their problems, evidenced by a staggering 14 penalties for 129 yards against UNLV. These mental errors have contributed to perceptions of the team being “soft” and lacking the necessary resilience to compete effectively at this level. Analysts believe that if the Bruins fail to secure a bowl game this season, it would further entrench the program’s image as underperforming.
The upcoming schedule poses a daunting challenge as UCLA will need to win six of their next ten games to reach bowl eligibility. If the difficulties continue unchecked, experts speculate that a coaching change may be essential to revive the struggling program. Amid these uncertainties, dissatisfaction among local fans and alumni runs high, as many call for significant improvements to restore the program’s former competitiveness.
Foster’s cautious communication strategy with the media has backfired, amplifying scrutiny of his performance in light of the team’s struggles. The lack of talent acquisition during the offseason has left UCLA’s roster in a state of mediocrity, indicating that changes may soon be necessary to restore success to the Bruins football program.
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USC Trojans and UCLA Bruins Ranked in Big Ten Preseason Poll
Romeo Carey Announces Retirement from KBEV
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Additional Resources
- CBS Sports
- UCLA Wire
- Los Angeles Times
- Sports Illustrated
- 247 Sports
- Wikipedia: UCLA Bruins football
- Google Search: UCLA football news
- Google Scholar: UCLA football analysis
- Encyclopedia Britannica: UCLA Bruins football
- Google News: UCLA football 2025
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.
