After UCLA Football’s 35-10 loss to New Mexico, the powers that be fired DeShaun Foster. Here are 10 names that balance realism and upside for a new start.
Tony White — Florida State Defensive Coordinator
Background: UCLA alum and former Bruins LB who began coaching at UCLA. Rose fast as a 3-3-5 architect at Arizona State, Syracuse, Nebraska, and now FSU. His defenses are aggressive, assignment-sound, and player-development heavy; he also knows SoCal high schools from his playing and early coaching days.
- Pros:
- Bruin roots and real credibility in Los Angeles recruiting.
- Built top-20 caliber defenses with adaptable pressure packages.
- Energizes rooms; detailed teacher and developer.
- Cons:
- No head coaching experience.
- Needs an A-tier OC to balance the program.
- Market heating up could drive cost and competition.
P.J. Fleck — Minnesota Head Coach
Is it a great day to be alive and to be a Bruin?
Background: Went 1-11 to 13-0 at Western Michigan, then multiple 9+ win seasons and a division title at Minnesota. Culture, detail, and clear identity are his brand; knows the Big Ten week-to-week grind and how to sell a plan.
- Pros:
- Proven Power conference HC with Big Ten wins.
- High-energy recruiter and program builder.
- Track record of player development and bowl results.
- Cons:
- Culture-first style can be polarizing if results dip.
- Recent plateau raises ceiling questions.
- Limited West Coast ties.
Eric Bieniemy — Washington Commanders Associate HC (ex-Chiefs OC)
Background: Two Super Bowls as Chiefs OC, then AHC/OC in Washington. Former UCLA RBs coach and recruiting coordinator his first stint, then OC and assistant head coach his second. LA native with NFL scheme credibility and a demanding, detail-driven approach.
- Pros:
- NFL pedigree that attracts QBs and skill talent.
- Prior UCLA/SoCal experience on the recruiting trail.
- Clear standards, accountability, and preparation.
- Cons:
- No head coaching experience.
- NIL/portal and college admin are re-entry learning curves.
- NFL schemes possibly too complex for college
David Shaw — Former Stanford Head Coach; current NFL assistant
Background: 96-54 at Stanford with 3 Pac-12 titles and 3 Rose Bowls. Ran a physical, pro-style program that mirrors November Big Ten football. Deep California ties; son has been on UCLA’s roster; now refreshed by time in the NFL.
- Pros:
- Most accomplished HC on the list at the Power level.
- Cultural and academic fit; polished CEO presence.
- Proven developer, especially OL, TE, and pro prospects.
- Cons:
- Late Stanford dip raised urgency/adaptation questions.
- Offense trended conservative; needs a modern OC plan.
- Must reassert recruiting edge in NIL/portal era.
Jason Candle — Toledo Head Coach
Background: Consistent MAC winner since 2016 with efficient, multiple spread offenses and steady QB growth. Known for evaluation and development, plus staff organization and week-to-week consistency.
- Pros:
- Year-over-year winning culture; no losing seasons.
- QB-friendly offense that travels.
- Dogged recruiter and developer with NFL draft outputs.
- Cons:
- No Power Five or West Coast experience.
- G5-to-B1G step carries risk.
- Lower initial sizzle with fans and donors.
Barry Odom — Purdue Head Coach
Background: Former Missouri HC; rebuilt UNLV fast; now in the Big Ten at Purdue. Identity is disciplined, takeaway-driven defense and practical roster builds; known for quick fixes and culture resets.
- Pros:
- Power conference HC experience; turnaround chops.
- Defensive identity fits Big Ten physicality.
- Portal-savvy and fundamentals-focused.
- Cons:
- Missouri results were middle-tier.
- Minimal California ties.
- Offense can lag without the right OC.
Brian Hartline — Ohio State Offensive Coordinator
Background: Elite recruiter and WR developer behind OSU’s first-round pipeline. Elevated to PGC/OC, steeped in modern passing-game detail; respected by players and high school coaches nationally.
- Pros:
- Immediate recruiting jolt, especially at WR/QB.
- Big Ten DNA and high standard expectations.
- Modern, explosive pass-game concepts.
- Cons:
- No head coaching experience; limited solo play-calling.
- No SoCal roots; needs CA-heavy staff.
- Program-management learning curve.
Tom Herman — FAU Head Coach
Background: 2014 Ohio State title OC; 22-4 at Houston; 32-18 at Texas with a Sugar Bowl win over Georgia. SoCal native now rebuilding at FAU. Offenses feature power-spread and QB empowerment; comfortable under big-spotlights.
- Pros:
- Proven Power Five HC with major-bowl wins.
- QB development and game-plan acumen.
- California roots; aligns with a Big Ten-ready AD profile.
- Cons:
- Texas ending and early FAU unevenness cooled stock.
- Some past perception noise; must show evolved leadership.
- Needs a high-end DC to complement his offense.
Jamey Chadwell — Liberty Head Coach
Background: Lifted Coastal Carolina to national relevance with a creative spread-option, then won big at Liberty out of the gate. System maximizes speed, angles, and misdirection; consistent fast starts at new stops.
- Pros:
- Scheme edge that stresses even elite defenses.
- Proven quick builder of identity and culture.
- Develops under-recruited players into high performers.
- Cons:
- No Power Five experience.
- Option-forward approach may deter some blue-chip QBs/WRs.
- No West Coast ties; prior minor NCAA oversight requires vetting.
Alex Golesh — USF Head Coach
Background: Heupel disciple and ex-Tennessee OC from record-setting seasons. Turned a 1-win USF into a bowl winner in year one. Offense is tempo, vertical shots, wide splits; background as recruiting coordinator in Midwest and Florida.
- Pros:
- Explosive, modern offense with track record of spikes.
- Quick rebuild ability and portal savvy.
- Recruiting chops with national footprint.
- Cons:
- Short HC resume.
- Pace can burden your own defense if not staffed right.
- No SoCal ties; must hire locally connected assistants.
Bottom line
Pick the lane, then the coach. If you want a reset with defense, Tony White is your swing; Odom is the safer defensive fixer. For proven Power Five leadership, Fleck, Shaw, or Herman fit. If you want recruiting juice and offensive ceiling, Hartline, Bieniemy, or Golesh make sense. Candle offers steadiness and development; Chadwell is the wildcard.