UCLA is set to hire DeShaun Foster as its next head coach, the school announced Monday.
Foster played for the Bruins from 1998-01, leaving Westwood as a Second Team All-American and a member of the school's top 10 running backs in rushing yards, touchdowns, and points scored. His 301 rushing yards against Washington in 2001 were a school record at the time.
"This is a dream come true," Foster said. "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. These are phenomenal young men, and I'm excited to hit the ground running."
A second round pick by the Carolina Panthers, Foster played seven seasons in the NFL, accumulating 3,570 yards and 11 touchdowns.
He returned to Westwood in 2013 as a student assistant, moved to a graduate assistant the following year, the returned as running backs coach in 2017, where he remained through this past season.
He was set to become the Las Vegas Raiders' running backs coach, but will now return as head coach following Chip Kelly's departure for Ohio State. Aside from spending the 2016 season at Texas Tech and his brief stop in Las Vegas, Foster has spent the entirety of his coaching career at UCLA.
Foster entered the school's athletic hall of fame in 2022.
"While undergoing a comprehensive search for our new head coach, DeShaun resonated from the start and throughout the whole process," said AD Martin Jarmond. "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. DeShaun checks all of those boxes and then some. He is a leader of men and a true Bruin. I am excited to partner with him as we usher UCLA Football into an exciting new era."
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