UCLA fires coach DeShaun Foster amid football turmoil

In the United States, the UCLA Bruins football program made the significant decision to part ways with head coach DeShaun Foster following a poor start to the 2025 college football season. After losing three consecutive games, including a disappointing home defeat against New Mexico, the school announced Foster's dismissal on Sunday, September 14, 2025. His tenure, characterized by a 5-10 record, failed to bring the anticipated success after high hopes were generated during the offseason. Despite his contributions in the past as an athlete and assistant coach, this dismal performance left the administration with no choice but to make a change. The Bruins struggled offensively and defensively throughout the season thus far, and the growing discontent within the program could no longer be ignored. Foster's hiring had come at a challenging time as the football team was on the brink of joining a new conference, and after only three weeks of play, media and fans began questioning the viability of his leadership in such an intense environment. Under Foster's guidance, optimism for the program turned to frustration as his offensive strategies failed to yield positive results, especially after acquiring former Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava, who was expected to rejuvenate the offense. Additionally, this firing was not unique to UCLA; Virginia Tech also dismissed their head coach Brent Pry after a similar start. The trend of making firings early in the season reflects the increasing pressure faced by athletic departments to provide immediate results in a competitive college football landscape. For players, the firing introduced uncertainty about their futures as the new transfer portal rules enable them to explore other options, while some noted that this process could lead to significant roster changes moving forward. The interim head coach for UCLA will be Tim Skipper, who is tasked with guiding the team while the university embarks on a search for a new full-time head coach. The departure of Foster not only signifies a pivotal moment for UCLA football, but it also sets the stage for a broader discussion about coaching volatility in college sports as programs increasingly prioritize successful seasons and recruitment over longtime loyalty to coaches. As the Bruins adapt to the transition, focus will need to shift to rebuilding team morale and establishing a winning culture.