DeShaun Foster buyout: Details of UCLA head coach's contract

If UCLA decided to part ways with DeShaun Foster after Dec. 1, 2025, the Bruins would owe their head coach $6.24 million. Foster’s buyout drops from 70% of his remaining salary to 60% after Dec. 1. The Bruins’ 2025 regular season finale is set for Nov. 29 at cross-town rival USC.

Foster is currently in his second season as UCLA’s head coach, stepping in after Chip Kelly left Westwood to take the Ohio State offensive coordinator job in February 2024. The first-time head coach signed a five-year, $15 million deal at the time, a discount compared to Kelly’s contract.

If UCLA were to fire Foster before Dec. 1, it would be on the hook for over $7 million. Foster is making $3.1 million this season. He is owed only 50% of his remaining salary next year if UCLA opts to bring the head coach back for another year. Here is a full breakdown of his buyout:

+ Buyout drops to $3.35 million after the 2026 season
+ Buyout drops to $1.7 million after the 2027 season
+ Buyout drops to $0 after the 2028 season

According to his contract, UCLA is not required to make any buyout payments within a certain time constraint or on a payment schedule. The Bruins are only required to make ” any payments to the coach by the university shall be paid prior to the end of the term of this contract.” Foster’s five-year deal is set to expire on Jan. 31, 2029.

A former UCLA running back and first-team All-Pac-10 selection, Foster was the Bruins’ running backs coach under Jim Mora and Chip Kelly before being elevated to head coach. The former NFL running back and 2002 second-rounder is now 5-10 in two seasons as a head coach.

UCLA dropped to 0-3 this season following a 35-10 loss to New Mexico. It marked the Lobos’ first win over a Big Ten school. The Bruins’ remaining nine games include matchups with Northwestern, Penn State, Michigan State, Maryland, Indiana, Nebraska, Ohio State, Washington and USC