Sources: UCLA set to name DeShaun Foster new coach

By
PETE THAMEL via <a href="http://espn.go.com/" title="ESPN" class="espn_sc_byline">ESPN </a>
via
February 12, 2024, 11:19 AM ET
2 min read

UCLA Bruins is set to hire DeShaun Foster as the school's next head coach, sources told ESPN.

The team is being notified of the decision in a team meeting on Monday morning, the sources said. Foster had taken a job as the Las Vegas Raiders' running backs coach in recent weeks.

Foster is in the UCLA Hall of Fame as a player, is a longtime assistant coach and has played seven seasons in the NFL. He emerged among a pool of 11 candidates who UCLA interviewed, many of whom were a sitting head coach.

Foster impressed the UCLA brass with his ability to lead and command a room. Per sources, school officials believe that Foster can resonate in the Los Angeles market and emphasize recruiting and fundraising.

He's consistently produced NFL tailbacks while at UCLA and was the overwhelming choice of the current players. Foster has worked under Kliff Kingsbury, Jim Mora, Chip Kelly and played in a Super Bowl with the Carolina Panthers under John Fox. They see him as a modern CEO coach who can identify and develop players.

Foster will replace Kelly, who left to become the offensive coordinator at Ohio State last week.