Deshaun Foster’s Departure from UCLA

Deshaun Foster has made his mark at UCLA but has now been let go as the head football coach. This decision comes after a promising 10-3 start, though it was marred by a disappointing loss to New Mexico. The school officially announced his dismissal on Sunday.

Foster, who played roughly six seasons in the NFL with teams like the Panthers and 49ers, wrapped up his time at UCLA with a record of 5-10 over two seasons. Before stepping up as head coach following Chip Kelly’s resignation in 2024, Foster spent six years as the running backs coach under both Jim L. Mora and Kelly.

The school expressed gratitude for Foster’s contributions, noting the significant challenge he faced during a pivotal time—transitioning to the Big Ten conference. The statement highlighted his commitment to advancing the program.

“His legacy and affection for this university is clearly established. He is truly a lifelong Bruin,” officials stated.

In the interim, Tim Skipper, who serves as a special assistant, will take over the coaching duties for the remainder of the season. The school plans to initiate a thorough national search for a permanent head coach soon.

In a statement, Foster reflected on his tenure, saying, “It was a once-in-a-lifetime honor to be the head coach of my beloved alma mater, UCLA. We are deeply disappointed that we didn’t achieve the success we aimed for our players, fans, and the university, but I’m thankful for the opportunity to lead this program.”

Foster added, “This chapter ends differently than what I envisioned, but I believe UCLA football has a bright future ahead, where it can truly shine with its rich history and impressive resources.”