UCLA fires coach DeShaun Foster after disastrous start to the season
- UCLA fired DeShaun Foster following a 35-10 loss to New Mexico, finishing his tenure with a 5-10 record.
- Virginia Tech also dismissed Brent Pry after a 0-3 start, leaving him with a 16-24 record during his tenure.
- These firings highlight the escalating pressure that college football coaches face to deliver immediate results.
In the United States, college football teams UCLA and Virginia Tech faced significant challenges leading to coaching changes. On September 12, 2025, UCLA decided to part ways with head coach DeShaun Foster following a disappointing 0-3 start to the season, culminating in a 35-10 defeat against New Mexico. Foster's tenure lasted only 15 games, with an overall record of 5-10. The decision cost UCLA approximately $6.24 million due to contract buyouts. Virginia Tech also announced the firing of head coach Brent Pry after his team dropped to 0-3, resulting in a cumulative record of 16-24 over three seasons. Pry’s departure was prompted by a lack of team success, with the Hokies allowing an average of 448 yards per game, ranking them near the bottom of the FBS. Like Foster, Pry's firing comes at a hefty price, with Virginia Tech facing over $6 million in buyouts. Athletic director Whit Babcock expressed dissatisfaction with the team's performance and the decision to let Pry go after significant investment in his contract. Both coaching changes illustrate the growing urgency and impatience among college football programs that are struggling to achieve favorable outcomes on the field. The narrative of failures points to the immense pressure faced by coaches to deliver immediate results in a highly competitive environment. As teams strive for success in their respective conferences, the consequences of poor performance are increasingly severe, as demonstrated by the decisions made by UCLA and Virginia Tech. Moving forward, Virginia Tech has decided to promote offensive coordinator Philip Montgomery to the position of interim head coach for the remainder of the season. The Hokies' next game will be against the Wofford Terriers, representing their first opportunity to turn the season around and provide some hope back to their fanbase. The uncertainties surrounding both programs highlight the ever-present challenges and high stakes in the world of college football, where the pressure to win immediately often leads to swift and decisive action.