DeShaun Foster shares emotional reaction to becoming UCLA head coach

DeShaun Foster lives and breathes UCLA football. And if one didn’t know that already, it came across immediately in his introductory press conference.

Foster, who comes from Charlotte, North Carolina, came to UCLA as a freshman running back in 1998. In the approximately 25 years since then, Foster has been a UCLA player or coach for more than half those years, including a seven-year NFL career.

“Man, I was trying not to cry. I was overcome by emotions,” Foster said in his opening remarks at the press conference. “This is a dream come true, I was overcome by emotions. And one thing I’d like to do, I’d thank Martin [Jarmond], our chancellor, Gene Block, just for giving me this opportunity to coach here at UCLA, at my alma mater. I’ve always dreamed about being a head coach and being at UCLA and being the head coach here at UCLA, you guys have no idea just —”

Foster trailed off, grabbing the handkerchief that Jarmond had set before him and covering his face as he tried to recompose himself as the emotion of the moment overwhelmed him.

After his pause, Foster continued his stump speech for what he wants to turn UCLA into, or return it to. Foster, who coached running backs from 2017 through the 2023 season, didn’t shy away from the fact he’s coming to this project without the track record of some of his peers, either.

He does seem to be deterred, though.

“I’m telling you, it’s something I’m built for, y’all. I can do this,” Foster said. “I’m going to put all my passion into this, I’m here for these boys. I’ve been here for them. I’m going to get this team playing hard. My three pillars: Discipline, respect, and enthusiasm. They’re going to see it, they’re going to feel it. We’re going to get this Rose Bowl back to how it needs to be. We’re in LA — we are UCLA, this is a real university. This isn’t a part-time school. We win banners in every sport. We can do — I just gotta get football back, and I promise y’all I’m the man to do this.”

And in a final show of the self-assurance that borders on arrogance that so many successful players and coaches have, Foster assured those listening that he was put through the same scrutiny as other candidates and came out ahead.

“I’m just overwhelmed by this and I just want to get out here and show you guys this, what I can do,” Foster said. “I know I might not have the experience that certain other coaches have had, but I’m guaranteeing that I am prepared for this job. I interviewed just like everybody else. They came back with the best candidate.”