The Abrupt End: DeShaun Foster's Dismissal as UCLA Football Coach

In a stunning turn of events, DeShaun Foster's tenure as head coach of the UCLA Bruins football team came to an abrupt end. The announcement of his dismissal followed a series of disappointing performances, culminating in a shocking 35-10 loss to the New Mexico Lobos. This decision, made after just three games into the 2025 season, has sent shockwaves through the college football world.

A Rocky Start to the Season

The 2025 season proved to be a nightmare for the Bruins under Foster's leadership. The team started with a dismal 0-3 record, failing to hold a lead at any point during those games. The Bruins were outscored by a significant margin, with a total score of 108-43 against them. The loss to New Mexico was particularly damaging, as the Bruins were favored by 15.5 points but ended up losing by a staggering 25 points.

College football insider Mark Schipper appeared on The Bald Faced Truth podcast with John Canzano. Schipper discussed the state of the UCLA Bruins’ football program after the university fired DeShaun Foster following a blowout loss to the New Mexico Lobos.“A home beatdown by a bottom-dwelling Mountain West school,” Schipper said of the loss. “And they looked so bad doing it. They couldn’t tackle, they can’t move the ball, they make mistakes, they’re penalized all over the place.”

The Weight of Expectations

Foster inherited a program transitioning to the Big Ten Conference. After a 5-7 record in 2024, the pressure was on to improve. However, the team's performance deteriorated, leading to speculation about Foster's job security. The Bruins appeared to be on track for their worst season in their 107-year football history. The team's struggles were evident, and Foster himself seemed unsure of how to turn things around.

The Penalty Problem

One of the most glaring issues plaguing the Bruins was their excessive penalties. In the two games leading up to Foster's dismissal, the team racked up 27 penalties for a total of 245 yards. Foster acknowledged the problem, stating, "Too many penalties. We've got to find a way to stop shooting ourselves in the foot. We're not good enough to keep having the type of penalties that we're having. We've got to almost be perfect out there."

The Upset Loss to New Mexico

The loss to New Mexico was particularly embarrassing, considering that UCLA paid the Lobos $1.25 million to play at the Rose Bowl. These games are typically viewed as opportunities for larger schools to secure an almost certain victory. However, the Lobos dominated the game, rushing for 298 yards on 46 carries. They controlled the ball for over 36 minutes. The UCLA offense appeared disjointed, and questionable decisions were made regarding timeouts.

UCLA has better recruited talent than both, UNLV and New Mexico. UCLA might have to play a perfect game to beat No. 1 ranked Ohio State, when they meet on November 15, in Columbus, or they might have to play a perfect game to beat No. 2 ranked Penn State, whom they will take on at the Rose Bowl on October 4th. But if they have to play a perfect game to beat UNLV or New Mexico, then they have the wrong coaching staff in place.

The Inevitable Decision

Given the team's performance and the mounting pressure, Foster's dismissal seemed inevitable. UCLA Athletic Director Martin Jarmond, who was responsible for hiring Foster, had the difficult task of letting him go. "I want to extend my sincere appreciation to DeShaun for his contributions to UCLA Football over the course of many years, first as a Hall of Fame student-athlete, then as an assistant coach and finally as head coach," said Jarmond. "He was named to this role at a challenging time of year, on the cusp of a move to a new conference, and he embraced it, putting his heart into moving the program forward. His legacy and love for this university are firmly established. He is a Bruin for life, and we wish him, his wife, Charity, and their family the best."

Tim Skipper Takes Over as Interim Coach

Tim Skipper, who was hired as a special assistant to Foster, will serve as the interim head coach. Skipper has previous experience in this role, having served as the interim head coach at Fresno State in 2024. Skipper's Fresno State team lost to UCLA last season at the Rose Bowl in the final regular season game for both teams in 2024.

Foster's Farewell

Foster released a statement expressing his disappointment but also his gratitude for the opportunity to lead his alma mater. "Serving as the head coach at UCLA, my beloved alma mater, has been the honor of a lifetime," Foster said. "While I am deeply disappointed that we were unable to achieve the success that our players, fans, and university deserve, I am grateful for the opportunity to have led this program. "To Bruin Nation… While this chapter ends differently than I had envisioned, UCLA Football has a bright future ahead. This program, with its rich tradition, will return to prominence."

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The Search for a New Head Coach

Jarmond and Erin Adkins, senior associate athletics director, will assemble a committee of "accomplished sports and business executives and UCLA greats" to conduct a national search for the next head football coach. The search for Foster's replacement commences.

Recruiting Fallout

The uncertainty surrounding the coaching situation has already impacted recruiting. The top 25 recruiting class that Foster had lined up for 2026 is beginning to disintegrate, with seven players decommitting from the Bruins within 48 hours after the announcement of Foster's dismissal.

The Road Ahead

The Bruins will have a week off before returning to action against the Northwestern Wildcats. The game will be played on Saturday, September 27 and will start at12:30 PST. The game will be televised on the Big Ten Network (BTN).

The Nico Iamaleava Factor

UCLA has fired football coach Deshaun Foster just three winless games into former Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava's time with the Bruins. Adding Iamaleava from Tennessee was supposed to kickstart the Bruins program. He transferred there after leaving UT over an NIL dispute. Instead, things have gone from bad to worse. In three games, UCLA hasn't led at all and averaged 16.5 points per game, tied for 115th in FBS out of 133 teams, and the 36.5 points allowed per games is ranked 120th. Its offense is ranked 101st in the country and defense is 111th.The last loss was the last straw, a 35-10 defeat to New Mexico amid a light crowd at the Rose Bowl. It was the Lobos' first win against a power-conference team since 2008.

How Nico Iamaleava has struggled as UCLA quarterback

Iamaleava has completed 64% of his passes for 608 yards, three TDs and three interceptions. He tossed a pick in the fourth quarter in each of the past two games. Meanwhile, the quarterback that Iamaleava replaced at UCLA has thrived at UT. When Iamaleava transferred to UCLA, that pushed quarterback Joey Aguilar into the transfer portal and ultimately to UT. Aguilar has completed 66% of his passes for 906 yards, nine TDs and two interceptions. He accounted for five TDs total in a 44-41 overtime loss to Georgia on Sept. 15, but the Vols are still ranked No. 15 in the US LBM Coaches Poll. Aguilar's supporting cast, the one that Iamaleava left behind, has also played well. Wide receivers Chris Brazzell, Mike Matthews and Braylon Staley have combined for eight TD catches in three games. And UT's rebuilt offensive line has allowed only one sack in three games, tied for sixth-best in FBS. Iamaleava has been sacked six times, ranked 83rd in FBS.

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Why highly-paid Nico Iamaleava left Tennessee after playoff

Iamaleava played 18 games with 14 starts in two seasons at Tennessee, including all 13 games during the Vols' College Football Playoff run in 2024. On April 12, prior to the spring game, UT coach Josh Heupel informed the Vols that Iamaleava was no longer a member of the football team. Iamaleava skipped UT's final spring practice on April 11, the morning after On3's Pete Nakos reported ongoing negotiations between Iamaleava and Tennessee. His NIL deal reportedly paid him more than $2 million per year. ESPN's Chris Low, citing sources, reported that Iamaleava's representatives wanted his NIL pay increased to $4 million per year. The family used the possibility of him entering the portal as leverage. The former five-star prospect entered the portal on April 16 and then transferred to UCLA. Adam Sparks is the Tennessee football beat reporter.

Foster's Farewell Remarks

Despite that, Foster is thankful for his brief stint leading his alma mater. Here's what he said in a statement following the news of his dismissal:"Serving as the head coach at UCLA, my beloved alma mater, has been the honor of a lifetime. While I am deeply disappointed that we were unable to achieve the success that our players, fans, and university deserve, I am grateful for the opportunity to have led this program."I want to thank Chancellor Julio Frenk, Athletic Directo rMartin Jarmond, and Executive Senior Associate Athletics Director Erin Adkins for entrusting me with this responsibility and for their support throughout my tenure."To our student-athletes: you have been the heart of this program. Your dedication, resilience, and character - both on the field and in the classroom - have been inspiring. Even in our most challenging moments, you stayed united and gave everything you had for your teammates and this university. You embody what it means to be a Bruin, and I am proud to have coached each of you."I extend my deepest gratitude to our coaching staff and support personnel. Your tireless work, professionalism and genuine care for our student-athletes never went unnoticed. You are exceptional at what you do, and any program would be fortunate to have you."To Bruin Nation: your passion and unwavering support mean everything. UCLA has the most loyal and dedicated fanbase in college football, and I will always be grateful for the energy you brought to the Rose Bowl and beyond. You deserve better than what we delivered on the field."While this chapter ends differently than I had envisioned, UCLA Football has a bright future ahead. This program, with its rich tradition and outstanding resources, will return to prominence. Once a Bruin, always a Bruin."Thank you, UCLA."

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