The dust is still settling in Westwood after Chip Kelly departed from UCLA. Now, his former players are starting to speak out.
Ethan Garbers, the projected starter for the Bruins in the upcoming 2024 season, posted strong numbers last season while splitting time with now-Oregon transfer Dante Moore.
Passing for 1,136 yards and tossing 11 touchdowns in 2023, Garbers looks to be the best option for the Bruins going forward as the team resets under new head coach DeShaun Foster.
In an interview with UCLA Rivals writer Tracy McDannald, Garbers said of his time under Chip Kelly:
“Not like under coach (Chip) Kelly that we didn’t have fun, but it was more of a job than playing football. Coach (DeShaun) Foster wants to get back to playing football and having fun while you’re doing it.”
Though not the harshest criticism of Kelly that has been said over the last week, Garbers’ comments shed light on the perception of Kelly in the locker room and the change that the team looks forward to.
But all signs point to the fact that a new leaf has been turned in Westwood under Foster. And perhaps that momentum can carry over into the season to make their first in the BIG 10 a memorable one.