The UCLA Bruins’ rough start to the 2025 season has already claimed its first major casualty. After dropping three straight games to Utah, UNLV, and New Mexico—including a crushing 35-10 home defeat—the school fired head coach DeShaun Foster on Sunday morning.
Foster, a former UCLA football star running back, was promoted in 2024 to replace Chip Kelly but never found traction. He finishes with a 5-10 record over two seasons, including an 0-3 start this fall in which the Bruins were outscored 108-43. His buyout is expected to exceed $7 million, raising questions about the program’s long-term commitment as it settles into the Big Ten.
Athletic director Martin Jarmond, who hired Foster, will lead the search, but industry insiders are skeptical.
“Next coach? A better story is who would take that job?” one source told On3 Sports. “Chip [Kelly] ran for a reason. Terrible administration, no resources, they’re getting crushed, no NIL & currently no chance to compete in Big Ten football.”
Despite the challenges, UCLA remains a high-profile program in a prime recruiting market. Pete Nakos of On3 has identified several names already linked to the opening, each with unique strengths and potential fits for the Bruins’ rebuilding effort.
Top 6 UCLA Football Head Coach Candidates
1. Tony White — Florida State Defensive Coordinator
UCLA alum and former Bruins linebacker, White started his coaching career at UCLA before rising through Arizona State, Syracuse, and Nebraska, now serving as FSU’s defensive coordinator. He is known for aggressive, assignment-sound defenses that emphasize player development and adaptability.
White is widely considered one of the most logical hires. At Nebraska, he led a defense that ranked top 20 nationally, earning praise from former boss Matt Rhule and ultimately securing the FSU job, where Week 1’s upset of Alabama showcased his scheme’s effectiveness.
2. D’Anton Lynn — USC Defensive Coordinator
Lynn might have been the pick over Foster in 2024, but he remained at USC, where he has quickly elevated the Trojans’ defense. He knows the Pac-12 landscape, has NFL experience, and seems destined for a head coaching role sooner rather than later. While moving across town would be dramatic, his familiarity with Southern California football keeps him in consideration.
3. Will Stein — Oregon Offensive Coordinator
Stein has emerged as one of college football’s hottest coordinator names. He has kept Oregon’s offense productive through personnel turnover and consistently developed quarterbacks like Bo Nix, Dillon Gabriel, and Dante Moore. UCLA could benefit from Stein’s modern approach, though he will likely be selective about head coaching opportunities.
4. Pat Fitzgerald — Former Northwestern Head Coach
Fitzgerald is arguably the most high-profile candidate who could realistically consider UCLA. With 110 wins at Northwestern and a reputation for stability, he offers credibility and experience. Currently unemployed after settling a lawsuit with Northwestern, Fitzgerald could be convinced to take the Bruins job before other openings—like Wisconsin—materialize, making him a unique option in this cycle.
5. Ben Arbuckle — Oklahoma Offensive Coordinator
At 29, Arbuckle has already earned a reputation as a rising offensive mind. He followed quarterback John Mateer to Oklahoma and revitalized Brent Venables’ offense. While lacking Power Four recruiting experience, his creative playcalling and youth could appeal to the Bruin brass if they are seeking a long-term offensive innovator.
6. Tosh Lupoi — Oregon Defensive Coordinator
Highly regarded recruiter and defensive strategist with experience at Alabama and Oregon. According to Pete Nakos, one of the first hires made by Dan Lanning at Oregon, Tosh Lupoi has been a key recruiter for the Ducks in recent years. Lupoi also spent five seasons at Alabama, helping the Crimson Tide reach the College Football Playoff every year and the CFP National Championship Game four times before gaining experience at the NFL level.
Interim and Next Steps
Special assistant Tim Skipper will serve as interim head coach for the remainder of the season as UCLA conducts a comprehensive national search. With off-field turmoil—including backup QB Pierce Clarkson’s indefinite suspension—this search will determine whether the Bruins can stabilize and compete in the Big Ten, or continue to struggle against better-resourced programs.
Foster, meanwhile, left on a gracious note:
“While this chapter ends differently than I had envisioned, UCLA Football has a bright future ahead. Once a Bruin, always a Bruin.”
The question now is whether Jarmond can find a coach willing to embrace that challenge.