UCLA Head Coach Hot Board: Bruce Feldman highlights 7 names to watch as Chip Kelly replacement

After months of speculation, Chip Kelly is leaving UCLA. Although instead of a return to the NFL, he’s heading to one of the Bruins’ new conference rivals as Ohio State’s next offensive coordinator – and the program is now in pursuit of a replacement.

The Athletic’s Bruce Feldman put together a list of seven names to watch for the position as UCLA gets ready for its move to the Big Ten. It’s an interesting time for a coaching search, just two days before the Super Bowl and with spring practice right around the corner.

There’s a mix of current and former head coaches on Feldman’s list, as well as some without head coaching experience, considering options are running thin for UCLA at this point in the cycle.

David Shaw, former Stanford head coach

Before taking the 2023 season off, David Shaw spent 12 years as Stanford head coach after serving as an assistant under Jim Harbaugh. He amassed a 96-54 overall record with the Cardinal, but missed out on a bowl game in four straight seasons before he stepped down.

Shaw has a connection to the UCLA program through his son, Carter, who’s a wide receiver for the Bruins. Considering the options available at the moment with the timing of Kelly’s departure, Shaw could present an intriguing fit if he wants to get back in the game after interviewing for multiple NFL positions.

P.J. Fleck, Minnesota head coach

With Kelly heading to a conference rival, an interesting idea would be UCLA turning to another one for its next head coach. That’s where someone like P.J. Fleck could come in considering his turnaround at Minnesota.

Fleck has a 50-34 overall record at Minnesota, including an 11-2 record in just his third year at the helm in 2019. Feldman noted the high energy he brings, and coupled with his coaching ability, could make him a possible candidate for UCLA after Kelly’s departure.

DeShaun Foster, former UCLA running backs coach

If UCLA doesn’t necessarily need head coaching experience, there could be a few candidates from the assistant ranks. One is running backs coach DeShaun Foster, who recently left the Bruins to become the Las Vegas Raiders’ running backs coach.

Foster played at UCLA and joined the coaching staff in 2017. He has a track record of player development and still has a good reputation within the program, which could be important when it comes to player retention during the 30-day transfer portal window.

Ikaika Malloe, UCLA defensive coordinator

After D’Anton Lynn left to become the defensive coordinator at USC, UCLA promoted defensive line coach Ikaika Malloe to the role. If the Bruins stay in-house, he could warrant consideration to replace Kelly as a first-time head coach.

Before he arrived in Brentwood, Malloe was the defensive coordinator at Washington, where he worked with Laiatu Latu before his transfer to UCLA. With his recruiting prowess, he could be an attractive candidate to become the next head coach and replace Kelly.

Tony Alford, Ohio State running backs coach

With Kelly heading to Ohio State, it’s worth wondering if a Buckeyes assistant could replace him. That’s where Tony Alford enters the conversation, especially considering his connection to UCLA athletic director Martin Jarmond.

Alford has had a long career as an assistant coach, working at Iowa State, Louisville and Notre Dame before arriving at Ohio State as running backs coach in 2015. Jarmond was the Buckeyes’ deputy athletic director before he took over at UCLA, and Feldman said that connection could make him a name to watch for the Bruins’ head coach position.

Tony White, Nebraska defensive coordinator

Earlier in this coaching cycle, Tony White was a hot name before ultimately choosing to stay at Nebraska. However, considering UCLA’s situation, he could find himself in the mix for another job to replace Chip Kelly.

White – a former UCLA linebacker – helped turn Nebraska’s defense around in a big way last season, going from 414.4 yards allowed per game in 2022 to 303.5 yards allowed in 2023. He received a new contract and raise to stay in Lincoln, but UCLA could give him a look.

D’Anton Lynn, USC defensive coordinator

Feldman described D’Anton Lynn as a “wildcard” candidate considering he just left UCLA for USC, but he developed a good reputation within the Bruins program. The son of former Los Angeles Chargers coach Anthony Lynn, he spent most of his career in the NFL before heading to the college ranks a season ago at UCLA.

Under Lynn’s watch, the Bruins ranked No. 1 in the Pac-12 in total defense, holding opponents to 301.5 yards per game. While the plan is for him to try and replicate that success at USC, he’s still in the area, which could get him a call from UCLA to replace Chip Kelly.

UCLA athletic director Martin Jarmond reportedly promised he’d have a coach in place within 96 hours, and considering the time of year, it could be a tall task. Regardless, the Bruins are in an interesting spot as Kelly returns to the coordinator ranks at Ohio State.