WATCH: Garrett DiGiorgio, Mateen Bhaghani react to UCLA coaching changes
UCLA made the move to fire head coach DeShaun Foster over the weekend. The Bruins have now turned over the reins to interim head coach Tim Skipper. In addition to Skipper, player representatives Garrett DiGiorgio and Mateen Bhaghani spoke with reporters about the decision Wednesday.
The news of UCLA moving on from Foster certainly was surprising for the players, and came with a sense of responsibility as well. The players have had to quickly move on as Skipper prepares the group for its upcoming game against Northwestern.
The bye week is giving the Bruins extra time to refocus its energy after a challenging stretch to open he season.
“My initial reaction was really just shocked,” DiGiorgio said of Foster’s firing. “And I felt somewhat accountable as a player and as a captain, of letting him down as head coach. But he’s a great, great man, great coach, and I wish him nothing but the best.”
In addition to Foster, the Bruins decided to part ways with defensive coordinator Ikaika Malloe on Wednesday. That news was also a challenge for the UCLA players to work through this week.
“I know some of the defensive guys loved him so much, and sorry to see him go,” DiGiorgio said. “Initial reaction as a man, he’s a great person, great family person, and he brought so much value to this team. It’s just unfortunate that I feel like he felt somewhat responsible, along with Foster as well. All we can do is support him on his next step, and hopefully he can come back and see the guys at some point.”
Bhaghani discusses latest changes
Bhaghani has been one of the few bright spots for UCLA so far this season. The Bruins’ kicker is 5 for 5 on field goals through three games and has been a big part of the offensive production so far.
Wednesday, Skipper expressed the desire to reset the team as he takes over. Bhaghani has seen the renewed energy in the facility in recent days.
“Honestly, it’s pretty similar to what we’ve been doing, but there has been some changes,” he said. “I mean, just the intensity in the building, I feel like everybody’s really ramping it up. We’re as low as we can go right now so there’s only up from here.”
Watch the full post-practice media sessions with DiGiorgio and Bhaghani below:
DiGiorgio, Bhaghani discuss UCLA coaching changes
Video recorded by BruinBlitz staff writer Tracy McDannald.
