UCLA Football: Martin Jarmond Reveals Timeline For Selection Of Next Bruins Head Coach

Where will the Bruins turn next?

UCLA Athletic Director Martin Jarmond is not in an easy position. 

In the wake of Chip Kelly leaving for Ohio State, Jarmond must now pivot and find a head coach in early February. It's not an ideal situation considering the transfer portal is closed, the recruiting cycle for 2024 has ended, and -- more importantly -- multiple candidates perceived to be ideal choices have ended up elsewhere. 

Jarmond spoke to the media on Friday afternoon after Kelly's departure from the program became official. Many wanted to know if a timetable was put in place when it came to hiring a new coach. 

Per Ben Bolch of the Los Angeles Times, Jarmond hopes to have a coach in place within the next 96 hours. 

Martin Jarmond said he’s looking for a permanent coach but will adjust if needed. The hoped-for timeline is 96 hours!

— Ben Bolch (@latbbolch) February 9, 2024

In theory, this would allow UCLA to get its proverbial ducks in a row over Super Bowl weekend. This includes dialogue, conversations, vetting, and speaking to the necessary powers that be to come up with the best possible candidate. 

Had Kelly left earlier in the cycle, UCLA could've gone after two of the most natural candidates fit-wise for its program in Arizona's Jedd Fisch and Oregon State's Jonathan Smith. 

However, with Kelly still entrenched as the head coach, Fisch (Washington) and Smith (Michigan State) ended up elsewhere. 

UCLA AD Martin Jarmond has asked the players for a 96 hour window to try and find a new head coach before they make any decisions (entering transfer portal, etc).

The athletic director said the university is looking for a permanent head coach but will adjust if needed.

— James H. Williams covers UCLA football (@JHWreporter) February 9, 2024

Over the last few hours, there have been several candidates rumored to be potential options. Among them include Nebraska DC Tony White, Toledo HC Jason Candle, Minnesota HC PJ Fleck, Liberty HC Jamey Chadwell, and USC DC D'Anton Lynn.