UCLA Football: Bruins to Name DeShaun Foster New Head Coach

UCLA announces ex-NFL standout as new head coach.

Former NFL standout and UCLA Atheltic Hall of Famer DeShaun Foster has been named the 19th head coach in program history. 

A leader of young men and a true Bruin. Introducing UCLA Football Head Coach DeShaun Foster.

➡️ https://t.co/v1lb7NlDDf#GoBruins pic.twitter.com/pNPiowhyuT

— UCLA Football (@UCLAFootball) February 12, 2024

The Bruins have tapped Foster as the next head coach to lead them into a new era. 

Foster played for the Bruins from 1998-2001, earning second-team All-American and leaving UCLA in top-10 in rushing yards, touchdowns, and points scored. 

The 44-year-old had taken the Las Vegas Raiders running backs coach earlier this month but opted to become the new head coach for his alma mater. After four seasons at UCLA, Foster played in the NFL for seven seasons with the Carolina Panthers (2002-2007) and the San Francisco 49ers (2008). 

He then returned to UCLA as a student assistant in 2013 and became a graduate assistant from 2014 to 2015. He left UCLA for one season to become the Texas tech running backs coach, then returned to UCLA and was the running backs coach from 2017 to 2023. 

It's safe to say Foster paid his dues and will get his first shot at running his own team. What better way to do it than for the school you call home? 

Here's Foster on what it means to become the next coach of his beloved Bruins. 

"This is a dream come true," Foster said in a statement. "I always envisioned being a Bruin ever since I was young, and now being the head coach at my alma mater is such a surreal feeling, and I'm grateful for this opportunity. The foundation of this program will be built on discipline, respect and enthusiasm."

(per DeShaun Foster via ESPN)

The former Bruin will now be tasked with leading this group of young men to new heights in 2024 and beyond.