UCLA football‘s coaching staff continues to take shape. This morning it was reported by The Athletic’s Bruce Feldman that the Bruins were moving on from Tim Drevno as their offensive line coach. Drevno had been in his position with the team since 2021.
Drevno was let go despite having worked with newly appointed head coach DeShaun Foster on the UCLA offensive coaching staff. The move opens up the position to be filled by Eric Bieniemy. Bieniemy was hired as UCLA football’s offensive coordinator by Foster in February 2024. Drevno had two years remaining on his contract at the time of his discharge.
Drevno helped produce three offensive linemen who were drafted into the NFL, Jon Gaines II, Atonio Mafi, and Sean Rhyan.
UCLA Football expected to hire Juan Castillo
A candidate has already surfaced as Drevno’s replacement, Juan Castillo. Castillo and Bieniemy worked together last season with the Washington Commanders. Under Bieniemy, Castillo was promoted from tight ends coach to run game coordinator.
Castillo has coached in the NFL since 2015. He has worked for the Philadelphia Eagles (1995-2012), Baltimore Ravens (2013-2016), Buffalo Bills (2017-2018) and Chicago Bears (2020-2021). He has mostly worked with the offensive line and tight ends during his career but was the Eagle defensive coordinator for two seasons.
Four of the five starters from UCLA football’s offensive line are set to return for the 2024 season. While most are experienced, there is plenty of room for improvement, per PFF, the four returning linemen allowed 15 sacks in 13 games in 2023.
