The UCLA football coaching staff has seen a lot of turnover since the Bruins finished their season with a win over Fresno State in late November. The Bruins lost another coach this week after changing offensive coordinators and adding key position group coaches.
In a post on X, running backs coach Marcus Thomas announced he would not return to Westwood for the 2025 season.
In 2024, the Bruins running game struggled mightily, averaging a Big Ten-worst 86.6 yards per game and 3.1 yards per carry. UCLA’s backfield-by-committee failed to generate consistent production behind a shaky offensive line, accounting for only three touchdowns on the ground.
Though it is not yet known if Thomas was relieved of his duties or left by choice, UCLA’s inefficiencies in the run game speak for themselves.
In the wake of Thomas’s departure, the Bruins are likely to begin their search for a new running backs coach immediately. With a lot to fix in the ground game, the next running backs coach will have his work cut out as the Bruins begin their second season in the Big Ten.