UCLA Football: Martin Jarmond Reveals Just How Much Players Respect DeShaun Foster

UCLA athletic director Martin Jarmond reveals one factor that shows how much the players respect new head coach DeShaun Foster.

Since UCLA football hired DeShaun Foster as their next head coach on Monday, there has been a lot of discourse on if the former player was the right hire to replace Chip Kelly. 

There is some skepticism among some since Foster has no prior experience as either a coordinator or head coach in college football or the NFL. This job is certainly a large promotion in increase of duties from Foster's last position as the UCLA running backs coach.

However, this doesn't mean that Foster can't and won't succeed in this role. If there's one indicator of Foster's success over one day in his new rule, it's been the response from his players.

For one, the Bruins football players could not have been more excited when Foster was announced as their next head coach Monday. The players were jumping, cheering, clapping and celebrating with their new coach. 

Beyond their instant reaction, no Bruins have entered the transfer portal since Foster was named the head coach. A change in coach can certainly impact recruits and the transfer portal, as seen with Washington when Kalen DeBoer left to become the head coach of Alabama.

That has not been the case for UCLA since Foster was named as their next head coach. Though the rumors of Kelly leaving led to one recruit flipping his commitment to Nebraska on National Signing Day, no UCLA players have entered the transfer portal now that Foster is their coach. 

"As of this moment, no players have entered the transfer portal," Jarmond said at Tuesday's introductory press conference for Foster.

Instead, the players appeared to rally around their new coach and seem to be excited about the transition. Even with Foster not having the most experience, keeping players in Westwood and having their respect are among the most important factors for his success as a head coach.