DeShaun Foster addresses state of NIL funds at UCLA

New UCLA head coach DeShaun Foster knows there’s going to be challenges with NIL and the football program going into the new season.

It seems like UCLA is behind the eight-ball compared to rival USC and others like Oregon and Washington, the other Pac-12 teams joining the Big Ten this year. Foster wants to reveal his vision to those who will listen.

But he’s certainly ready to rock and roll as the new face of the program.

“I’ve had conversations but it’s just mostly, I gotta get in front of everybody and let them know my direction,” Foster said. “Just my vision, how I see this. So, get in front of everybody, let’s give them the vision and if they’re on board, let’s go. 

Athletic director Martin Jarmond piggy backed off of Foster, saying the wheels were in motion.

“And he has a meeting scheduled tomorrow with Men of Westwood. So we’re on it,” Jarmond said.

This is the job Foster wanted. He’ll have to go full throttle for on and off the field success at UCLA.

“This is a dream come true,” Foster said. “I always envisioned being a Bruin ever since I was young, and now being the head coach at my alma mater is such a surreal feeling, and I’m grateful for this opportunity. The foundation of this program will be built on discipline, respect and enthusiasm. These are phenomenal young men, and I’m excited to hit the ground running.”

Jarmond released a statement upon the hiring of Foster. He cited that Foster was the right man for the job, someone who embodies UCLA football.

“While undergoing a comprehensive search for our new head coach, DeShaun resonated from the start and throughout the whole process,” said Jarmond. “We are looking for a coach with integrity, energy and passion; someone who is a great teacher, who develops young men, is a great recruiter and fully embraces the NIL landscape to help our student-athletes. DeShaun checks all of those boxes and then some. He is a leader of men and a true Bruin. I am excited to partner with him as we usher UCLA Football into an exciting new era.”

Under Foster’s guidance as an assistant, UCLA led the Pac-12 in rushing offense over the last two seasons and were top 20 in the country over the last three years.

Foster rushed for 3,194 yards and had 44 touchdowns during his playing days at UCLA. He was named an All-American in 2001 after leading the Pac-10 in rushing. He went on to play seven seasons in the NFL, with six of those coming with the Carolina Panthers.