New UCLA Bruins football head coach DeShaun Foster has a tough job ahead for the upcoming 2024 season. The good news is the schedule has them avoiding teams such as Michigan and others.
But, it’s a tough task taking over a team and making the transition to the Big Ten all while being a first-time head coach.
Shehan Jeyarajah of CBS Sports mentioned how DeShaun Foster and the bottom 10 head coaches can move up in the Power 4 rankings by Tom Fernelli rankings. But, either way, it’s a tough road ahead for Foster.
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Foster was easily the least credentialed new hire by a power conference school this cycle, but there’s context. UCLA was forced into a coaching search late in the cycle after Chip Kelly surprisingly left to take over as offensive coordinator at Ohio State. Foster has a deep history with the program, dating back to a 2001 All-American season with 1,109 yards rushing in just eight games.
How he can rise: There’s no secret that Foster’s primary responsibility will be presiding over UCLA’s jump into the Big Ten. Foster has a solid football rep but was also hired to rebuild a strong off-field football operation with his vocal and emotional leadership. Perhaps the greatest point for optimism for Foster’s tenure is the staff he put together. Longtime NFL assistant and head coaching candidate Eric Bienemy will call the offense, with ex-NFL staff member Juan Castillo coaching the offensive line. Several standout assistants return from Kelly’s staff, including Ikaika Malloe taking over as defensive coordinator. That said, the task in front of Foster is immense; it would not be a surprise to see him near the bottom next year too.
The 2024 season might be difficult for Foster and the Bruins, but it’s going to take time for them to get back on track after the ending of the Chip Kelly era.