DeShaun Foster’s connection to UCLA runs deep. He was a star running back who rushed for more than 3,000 yards for the Bruins before moving on to the NFL. After a playing career with the Carolina Panthers and San Francisco 49ers, he returned to Westwood in 2017 as an assistant coach. When Chip Kelly departed for Ohio State in 2024, Foster was elevated to the head job. Now in his second season, he is facing the steepest challenge of his young tenure.
The Bruins are off to a disastrous start. A 35 to 10 loss to New Mexico left them at 0 and 3, and Foster did not hide his frustration afterward. “It’s coming down to discipline, you know, and execution, not executing at a high level and not making plays when we need to. We’re not at our best when our best is needed,” he said. Penalties were once again the biggest culprit. “Too many penalties. Got to find a way to stop shooting ourselves in the foot. We’re not good enough to keep having the type of penalties that we’re having.”
As the losses pile up, questions about Foster’s job security are becoming louder. Asked directly if he remains the right coach for UCLA, his response was immediate. “Most definitely. Cuz I can get these boys to play.” When pressed on whether he feels overmatched, his answer was equally firm. “Nope, not at all.”
Final.#GoBruins pic.twitter.com/ECQuVGUeAy
— UCLA Football (@UCLAFootball) September 13, 2025
Foster insists the preparation has not been the issue. He points to sharp practices and engaged meetings, but admits the results on game day continue to baffle him. “Everybody looking at me straight in eye to eye…they get that they’re letting it slip away. It’s just unfortunate,” he said.
Now the Big Ten schedule awaits, a gauntlet that offers little margin for error. UCLA’s move into the conference has raised expectations, but also heightened scrutiny. Foster’s second season is already at a crossroads. His focus remains on cleaning up the mistakes that have undone his team and demanding a higher standard of discipline.
“We’re going to figure it out,” Foster said, even as the pressure builds around him.
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