The UCLA Bruins have endured a brutal two weeks, following the firing of their head coach after a shocking 0-4 start. No one saw such a disastrous beginning coming, and it was undeniably an embarrassing stretch for the program. During the same week, UCLA also made the decision to part ways with offensive coordinator Tino Sunseri.
“The Los Angeles Times first reported that Tino Sunseri was out as the UCLA offensive coordinator. He held the role for just four games plus three days of prep work — including two practices,” BlueWhite Illustrated’s Greg Pickel wrote.
Amid the coaching upheaval, Bruins players had the opportunity to transfer out of the program. If a player entered the transfer portal before appearing in four games, they could preserve a redshirt season and retain a year of eligibility.
“The timing of the firing is a surprise, as the Bruins have only played three games this season. If UCLA had played four games, most of their players wouldn't be able to redshirt, but given that they've only played three games, we could see a mass exodus making a terrible product even worse,” Saturday Blitz’s Nicholas Rome wrote.
Despite the turmoil, UCLA faced off against Penn State on Saturday — and walked away with their first win of the season in impressive fashion. Quarterback Nico Iamaleava finally looked like the player UCLA had been hoping for all year. After the game, he revealed that he had delivered a tough message to the team following the firings of head coach DeShaun Foster and offensive coordinator Sunseri.
“I was preaching to the guys that, ‘If y’all don’t want to be here man, leave man,’” Iamaleava said after the win.
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It’s safe to say that Iamaleava’s fiery message sparked something in the locker room, helping the Bruins play with renewed passion and urgency. Things had been bleak in Los Angeles, but the recent coaching shakeup might have been the wake-up call the team needed.
Hopefully, this performance isn’t just a one-time spark. Iamaleava made it clear: Bruins players are either all in — or they’re out.