DeShaun Foster releases statement on accepting UCLA job: 'Dream come true'

DeShaun Foster was named the new head coach of UCLA football Monday. Following the departure of Chip Kelly to Ohio State, Foster will fill his shoes.

Foster was named the 19th head coach in program history. He has 11 years of college coaching experience, including 10 at his alma mater.

Now, it’s come full circle for Foster who called it a dream come 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.”

Athletic director Martin Jarmond also released a statement.

“While undergoing a comprehensive search for our new head coach, DeShaun resonated from the start and throughout the whole process,” said 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.”

Under Foster’s guidance, UCLA led the Pac-12 in rushing offense over the last two seasons and were top 20 in the country over the last three years.

While Foster has been on staff at UCLA since 2017, he was recently named the running backs coach for the Las Vegas Raiders. He is now leaving that position to lead the Bruins program.

Foster coached at UCLA for two different stints. He has spent 10 years with the program as a coach in total and also served as the running backs coach at Texas Tech for one season.

In addition to the running backs coach, he was also the associate head coach for the Bruins in 2023.

Foster rushed for 3,194 yards and had 44 touchdowns during his playing days at UCLA. He was named an All-American in 2001 after leading the Pac-10 in rushing. He went on to play seven seasons in the NFL, with six of those coming with the Carolina Panthers.