UCLA Fires DeShaun Foster, Searches for New Football Coach

UCLA has made a swift decision to part ways with head coach DeShaun Foster, following a disappointing tenure that lasted just 15 games. Foster, a former Bruins All-American running back, concluded his time at the helm with a 5-10 overall record, including an 0-3 start to the current season. This abrupt move has positioned UCLA as one of the most compelling coaching vacancies in college football.

The Bruins, who joined the Big Ten in 2024, are set to benefit from lucrative television contracts, promising a significant influx of revenue and visibility. Yet, the program has struggled to perform at a championship level for many years and has not reached the Rose Bowl since 1997. The athletic department faces considerable challenges, including ongoing financial issues that have hampered its operations. These struggles contributed to former coach Chip Kelly opting to leave the program for an offensive coordinator role at Ohio State.

As UCLA embarks on its search for a new head coach, several candidates have emerged as potential replacements.

Potential Candidates for UCLA’s Head Coaching Position

D’Anton Lynn, currently serving as the defensive coordinator at USC, has gained recognition as a leading figure in coaching. Lynn previously worked under Kelly at UCLA, making his departure a pivotal moment in the program’s decline. During his time at USC, he helped the Trojans achieve a national top 10 defense in 2023. His ties to Southern California and strong coaching credentials make him an attractive candidate for the Bruins if they can retain him.

Another prominent name is Tosh Lupoi, the defensive coordinator at Oregon. Known for his exceptional recruiting skills, Lupoi has played a crucial role in shaping a formidable Oregon defense alongside head coach Dan Lanning. His return to Southern California could revitalize UCLA’s recruiting efforts, particularly in California, where he has successfully reopened pipelines during his tenure at Oregon.

Spencer Danielson, the head coach at Boise State, is also in the conversation. At just 36 years old, Danielson has already secured back-to-back Mountain West championships and boasts a 16-4 record with the Broncos. While he has shown promise, his relatively short coaching career raises questions about whether he is ready for the pressures of a program like UCLA, especially following a significant loss in his first game without standout player Ashton Jeanty.

Another intriguing candidate is Jason Eck, the head coach at New Mexico. Eck’s recent victory over Foster’s Bruins has highlighted his coaching capabilities. Prior to his role at New Mexico, Eck achieved notable success at Idaho, leading the team to back-to-back top 10 finishes in the FCS. His background suggests he could be a valuable addition, though his Midwest roots may make the allure of Los Angeles less appealing.

Finally, Jonathan Smith, currently at Michigan State, has strong ties to the West Coast as a Pasadena native. His impressive track record at Oregon State, culminating in a 10-win season in 2022, has established him as a rising star in coaching. Despite a somewhat rocky start at Michigan State, Smith’s familiarity with the region and success as a coach could position him as a viable candidate for UCLA if the university can provide the necessary resources.

As the Bruins navigate this transitional period, insiders from BruinReportOnline are closely monitoring the developments surrounding UCLA’s coaching search. The upcoming weeks will be critical as the athletic department seeks a leader capable of revitalizing the program and steering it toward success in the competitive landscape of college football.