DeShaun Foster defines success ahead of first season as head coach
UCLA Director of Athletics Martin Jarmond announced the hiring of DeShaun Foster in front of the Bruins football team, saying that they were looking for someone who wanted to be a Bruin, and in Foster they found someone who already was a Bruin.
Certainly, the team was excited for DeShaun Foster to take over as head coach and the former UCLA player is going to be a popular hire with the team and fans. Now, is when the job gets challenging for Foster, though, as he needs to find success as UCLA transitions into the Big Ten. That success is something that he defined at his introductory press conference.
“Winning games,” DeShaun Foster said. “I’m not here for a hidden agenda. ‘Oh, we played well.’ None of that. We’ve got to win games.”
In six seasons under previous head coach Chip Kelly, UCLA went 35-34 with three bowl appearances and one AP Top 25 finish. That included three straight winning seasons where it looked like the Bruins had figured things out and were ready to get over the hump.
A major problem that the Bruins are facing next season is their strength of schedule in the new Big Ten. UCLA has 10 Power Five opponents next season. That includes a non-conference game against LSU, as well as Oregon, Washington, Penn State, and USC in conference play.
“You know, I’m a Bruin too. So, this isn’t just I’m happy to be in this seat. I’m trying to produce. I want to get guys. We’ve got to win games to get players. So, that’s what we’re gonna do,” Foster said.
DeShaun Foster, of course, was a star running back at UCLA before a seven year NFL career. Then, in 2013, he returned to UCLA as an assistant. After that, he spent one season at Texas Tech as a running backs coach before returning to UCLA in the same position. He was set to join the Las Vegas Raiders staff before becoming the Bruins’ next head coach.
DeShaun Foster releases statement on accepting UCLA job
Shortly following his decision to take the UCLA job, DeShaun Foster released a statement on what he described as a dream coming true.
“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.”