WATCH: Safety Key Lawrence breaks down defensive changes at UCLA
In 2025, it feels like the only constant in college football is change. Several Power 4 coaches have already been fired this season, and that includes DeShaun Foster at UCLA. The Bruins have not been on the field against an opponent since losing to New Mexico on Sept. 12.
Foster was relieved of his duties the next day.
Since that time, there has been an array of moving parts with the team, and players like safety Key Lawrence are in the middle of it. Tim Skipper has stepped in as the interim head coach while defensive coordinator Ikaika Malloe and UCLA parted ways.
This week, the Bruins added Kevin Coyle as a defensive assistant giving the team a veteran presence on that side. It is a lot for players to have to process in a short amount of time before their next game. Still, Lawrence and the rest of the Bruins are aiming to take it in stride.
“Just with this new start, we just think of the mindset of being 0-0 this week,” he said Tuesday after practice. “Understanding that a lot of circumstances come with self-inflicted wounds. We’re just trying to get better as a team. Everybody’s got high hopes for each other.
“Nobody’s down about it. Everybody understands we took it on the chin and are just moving forward with our lives. So, that’s the mindset right now.”
Coyle’s role with the UCLA defense
Coyle is making the move over from Syracuse where he was an analyst to provide Skipper with a familiar set of eyes. The longtime coach, who has spent time in the NFL and college, worked with the Bruins’ interim head coach previously at Fresno State.
Coyle was spotted at practice Tuesday, and he is already beginning to provide support for the defense.
“Wise men learn from others, and he’s somebody who has a lot of experience under his belt,” Lawrence said. “So, it just brings another type of culture that he’s trying to bring in and understanding that we need to play at one unit, one sound and one heartbeat. And, that’s one thing he’s been harping on just trying to get us fast sideline to sideline, playing smart and physical. So, I like it so far.”
Watch the full media session with Lawrence following Tuesday’s practice for the Bruins below:
Key Lawrence post-practice media session
Video recorded by BruinBlitz staff writer Tracy McDannald.
