UCLA's surprising choice of Tino Sunseri as offensive coordinator raises eyebrows

Recently in Los Angeles, UCLA announced the hiring of Tino Sunseri as the new offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. This decision comes after the departure of Eric Bieniemy, who was let go after a disappointing season where the Bruins ranked near the bottom in scoring and total offense among FBS teams. The announcement followed Sunseri's successful season with Indiana, where he served as co-offensive coordinator and contributed to a superb performance that led the team to the College Football Playoff. Sunseri's background includes extensive coaching experience, having also worked at Alabama, Florida State, and Tennessee, in addition to his time in the Canadian Football League. One of Sunseri's main objectives will be to prevent further departures from the UCLA roster due to the transfer portal. Several key players, including quarterback Justyn Martin and running back T.J. Harden, have entered the portal, raising concerns among fans and coaching staff about the team’s future prospects. UCLA’s head coach, DeShaun Foster, emphasized the necessity of retaining talent while expressing confidence in Sunseri’s ability to attract a capable quarterback. In addition to addressing player retention, Sunseri will have a critical role in developing the existing quarterback roster, which will be imperative as the team adjusts to its operational strategies moving forward. UCLA's offense has struggled significantly over the past season, ranking 117th in total offense with an average of 328.8 yards per game, and scoring an average of just 18.4 points per game. This lack of effectiveness on offense was one of the primary reasons for Bieniemy's dismissal. Players have previously cited difficulties in understanding the scheme implemented by Bieniemy, due to its complexity and lengthy play calls. Foster believes Sunseri is the right fit to simplify and enhance the offensive strategy, forming an environment conducive to quarterback development. With the Bruins coming off a 5-7 season and transitioning into a new competitive landscape in the Big Ten, fostering an effective offense will be crucial in returning to bowl eligibility. Sunseri's experience, particularly his recent success at Indiana where he developed a standout quarterback, will be instrumental in leading UCLA out of its offensive slump. The Bruins have expressed optimism about the upcoming changes and hope that with Sunseri at the helm, they can make a significant turnaround in the near future.