UCLA Bruins nightmare 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 Bruins fired head coach DeShaun Foster just 15 games into his tenure.
Foster, a former Bruins star running back, was promoted in 2024 to replace Chip Kelly but never found traction. He finished with a 5-10 record over two seasons, including a 0-3 start this fall in which the Bruins were outscored 108-43. His buyout is expected to exceed $7 million, raising serious questions about UCLA’s financial commitment and long-term stability in the Big Ten.
UCLA Football “Who Would Take That Job?”
Is it a great day to be alive and to be a Bruin?
Adding to the turmoil, skepticism around the Bruins’ job market is already spreading. An industry source told On3 Sports that the UCLA position has become one of the least appealing in major college football.
“Next coach? A better story is who would take that job? Chip [Kelly] ran for a reason,” the source said. “Terrible administration, no resources, they’re getting crushed, no NIL & currently no chance to compete in Big Ten football.”
The comments underscore a growing perception that UCLA’s problems go far beyond the sideline.
Candidates Begin To Surface
Despite the doubts, the coaching carousel is already churning. Among those tied to the opening:
- Tony White, Florida State Defensive Coordinator
A UCLA alum and standout linebacker, White has become one of the nation’s most respected defensive minds. He led Nebraska’s defense to a Top 20 ranking before joining Florida State, where his unit helped knock off Alabama in Week 1. Matt Rhule has publicly endorsed him as head-coach ready, but his rising stock would likely come with a hefty price tag. - Jimbo Fisher, Former Texas A&M and Florida State Head Coach
Fisher’s name carries pedigree, even if his Texas A&M tenure ended poorly. He won a national championship at Florida State in 2014 and boasts a 128-48 career record. With his massive Aggies buyout still being paid, Fisher could be a surprisingly affordable option if he’s motivated to return. - Alex Golesh, South Florida Head Coach
Golesh is gaining momentum after South Florida’s upset win over Florida. Since taking over in 2023, he’s gone 16-12 with two bowl victories. Not a household name, but he’s built a program from the ground up and could offer UCLA a long-term builder. - Ben Arbuckle, Oklahoma Offensive Coordinator
Just 29 years old, Arbuckle is among the fastest-rising offensive minds in college football. After excelling at Washington State, he joined Oklahoma and already has QB John Mateer in the Heisman conversation. A gamble on youth, but one that could pay off big if UCLA wants the “next big thing.” - David Shaw, Former Stanford Head Coach
A proven program-builder who thrived at Stanford despite academic hurdles, Shaw represents the “safe hire.” However, his final four years at Stanford produced sub-4 win seasons, raising questions about whether he can reignite UCLA. Currently on the Detroit Lions’ staff, his return to college would be a storyline in itself.
Honorable Mentions — Extreme Long Shots
Jedd Fisch, Washington Head Coach — Former UCLA OC and interim head coach, long tied to Westwood. However, his $7.75 million salary and Washington’s momentum make him unlikely.
Barry Odom, Purdue Head Coach — Fresh off a strong run at UNLV and just hired at Purdue, but his stock is climbing.
Deshaun Foster’s Exit
In a statement, UCLA athletic director Martin Jarmond praised Foster’s loyalty and commitment, noting the challenges of his abrupt promotion during the school’s transition into the Big Ten.
“I want to extend my sincere appreciation to DeShaun for his contributions to UCLA Football,” Jarmond said. “He was named to this role at a challenging time… and he embraced it, putting his heart into moving the program forward.”
Foster, 45, was gracious in his own farewell, calling the role “the honor of a lifetime” despite the disappointment.
“While this chapter ends differently than I had envisioned, UCLA Football has a bright future ahead,” Foster said. “Once a Bruin, always a Bruin.”
Special assistant Tim Skipper will serve as interim head coach for the remainder of the season while a “comprehensive national search” begins.
More Turmoil Off The Field
The program’s challenges aren’t limited to the coaching staff. Backup quarterback Pierce Clarkson was suspended indefinitely following a recent arrest on felony charges, leaving the Bruins even thinner behind starter Nico Iamaleava.
UCLA now heads into a bye week before returning against Northwestern. But in the bigger picture, the school must answer a daunting question: not just who will lead the Bruins into their Big Ten future—but why anyone would want the job in the first place.