DeShaun Foster reacts to outpouring of support from UCLA players

UCLA swiftly hired a new head football coach following Chip Kelly‘s exit to become the offensive coordinator at Ohio State last Friday, with the Bruins naming former star running back and running backs coach DeShaun Foster as their head coach on Monday.

Foster was obviously beloved by a player during his career, ranking fifth all-time in program history in rushing yards and second in rushing scores as a member of the UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame. But once he was named the program’s head coach, the admiration from UCLA’s players for him as a coach was truly on display, with the entire team bursting out in celebration in a memorable moment.

Following his hire, Foster was asked about the support from his players, also revealing the unexpected moment when he personally received the news that he’d be in line to become UCLA’s next head coach.

“Well I was probably on hole 11 on Friday when stuff was going on, so my emotions, I was trying to keep it under control so I could win this golf game I was in with my boys,” Foster said getting a laugh from the crowd at his introductory press conference.

“But other than that, I didn’t expect that from the players. I knew I had relationships with the guys, but I didn’t know they would take that step. Players have voices and I’m glad Martin [Jarmond] was listening to them and they were heard.”

An unforgettable moment. ✨ @DeShaunFoster26 #GoBruins pic.twitter.com/i8opcBbGiE

— UCLA Football (@UCLAFootball) February 12, 2024

Foster was selected with the No. 34 overall pick in the second round of the 2002 NFL Draft out of UCLA, transitioning into coaching following a seven-year career in the NFL.

He spent all but one year of his coaching career with the Bruins, getting his start as a student and graduate assistant before becoming UCLA’s running backs coach in 2017.

During his time with the running backs, Foster coached star rushers like Joshua Kelly and Zach Charbonnet, with UCLA also leading the Pac-12 in rushing the past two consecutive seasons. But his impact on the Bruins’ players clearly goes beyond the production of their run game and was on full display when he was hired.

“But I was just excited to see that some of my guys were really making it known who they wanted to be their coach and they listened to them and I’m just excited to be here sitting in this seat,” Foster concluded.

UCLA joins the Big Ten Conference ahead of the 2024 season, as Foster will usher the Bruins’ program into a new era and look to take the team to new heights while at the helm.