In the 2024 college football season, the UCLA Bruins’ defense was central to their success under defensive coordinator Ikaika Malloe.
Despite their 5-7 record on the season and 3-6 record in the Big Ten, the Bruins built a formidable defense, especially against the run, against a tough slate of conference opponents.
This week, Tracy Pierson of the Bruin Report Online reported that sources close to the situation believe UCLA is finalizing a deal to bring Malloe back to Westwood next season.
With coaching seats to fill across college football, Malloe’s success in 2024 made him a potential candidate for other programs as a defensive coordinator or head coach. According to Pierson, UCLA has no intentions of letting Malloe go.
Given the Bruins’ difficult schedule and offensive woes, Malloe and his unit were put in a difficult spot. That said, UCLA’s run defense ranked third in the Big Ten and helped linebacker Carson Schwesinger to a Butkus Award finalist nod.
Should the Bruins bring back Malloe, UCLA should see similar defensive success in 2025 as it looks to revamp its roster in the transfer portal.