UCLA Football News: Former Bruin and NFL Star DeShaun Foster named UCLA football Head Coach

UCLA has a new head football coach: DeShaun Foster, a former star running back for the Bruins. Foster takes over the program as it transitions to the Big Ten, marking a significant change for the team.

Foster was promoted after serving as UCLA's running backs coach for eight seasons. He briefly left for a position with the Las Vegas Raiders but returned to UCLA when the head coaching opportunity arose.

His hiring was met with enthusiasm from the players, who welcomed him back with excitement after athletic director Martin Jarmond announced him as the new coach.

"We are looking for a coach with integrity, energy and passion; someone who is a great teacher, who develops young men, is a great recruiter and fully embraces the NIL landscape to help our student-athletes," Jarmond said in a statement at the time . "DeShaun checks all of those boxes and then some. He is a leader of men and a true Bruin."

The Bruins have a rich football history, boasting 17 conference championships and a national title from 1954. They also produced a Heisman Trophy winner in 1967.

As Foster steps into this role, he aims to build a program focused on discipline and respect. His first major challenge will be leading the team into its inaugural season in the Big Ten, alongside other former Pac-12 teams like USC, Oregon, and Washington.

Foster's coaching career began at UCLA, where he started as a volunteer assistant before moving up to director of player development. He then spent a year at Texas Tech before returning to UCLA as running backs coach.

"This is a dream come true," Foster said in a statement after he was hired . "I always envisioned being a Bruin ever since I was young, and now being the head coach at my alma mater is such a surreal feeling, and I'm grateful for this opportunity. The foundation of this program will be built on discipline, respect and enthusiasm."

His playing career included a successful stint in the NFL, where he was drafted by the Carolina Panthers and played a key role in their Super Bowl appearance.

With Foster at the helm, UCLA hopes to revitalize its football program and make a strong impression in its new conference. The upcoming season will be a crucial test for both the team and its new coach.