Though the 2024 college football season ended this week, head coach Deshaun Foster and the UCLA Bruins are already preparing for 2025. This week, they added another coach to their staff.
Former UCLA linebacker Tyree Thompson was named a defensive assistant by the Bruins according to a post on X. Thompson, who played inside linebacker for the Bruins from 2018-2019, recorded 55 tackles during his tenure in Westwood.
Now, the California native has returned home.
Thompson spent the 2024 season with the Arizona State Sun Devils, where he worked as a defensive assistant with the defensive line. Before helping Arizona State to the Big 12 title last season, Thompson worked with the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors in 2023.
Though much of Thompson’s work with the Bruins will be done on the practice field and behind the scenes, he adds familiarity with the program and a fresh perspective for defensive coordinator Ikaika Malloe.
Given the defensive losses the Bruins suffered this season due to the NFL Draft and the transfer portal, adding additional coaches should help UCLA continue its success on defense and strengthen its staff.