The UCLA Bruins will be early players in the head coaching market after firing DeShaun Foster just three games into the 2025 season. Foster was dismissed shortly after UCLA’s 35-10 home loss to New Mexico on September 12, marking the Bruins’ third straight defeat. They had previously fallen to Utah 43-10 at home and 30-23 on the road at UNLV.
The rumor mill has already begun to churn over who could take over the program. While a number of names have surfaced, some believe the job won’t be easy to fill. College football analyst Josh Pate questioned the appeal of the position.
“90% of the names I’ve seen mentioned in the UCLA search already have better jobs… many are coordinators,” Pate posted on X. “Being at a job where you have to beg fans to care OR beg the administration to care is hard enough. At UCLA you’ll have to do both.”
The Athletic’s Chris Vannini offered further insight into the program’s challenges in his program job report card, which helps explain Pate’s skepticism. Vannini gave UCLA Bruins’ football an overall grade of B, with subgrades of C for on-field outlook, C for money situation, B for university stability, B- for recent history and tradition, and B+ for the coach candidate.
Who Are the Top Names For the UCLA Job?
Once UCLA navigates DeShaun Foster’s buyout, which is expected to be upwards of $7 million, the school will begin its search for a third head coach in four seasons. According to On3’s Pete Nakos, two sitting Power 4 head coaches could emerge as realistic options.
“After making phone calls the last 24 hours, I’ve updated my UCLA head coach hot board with two sitting Power 4 head coaches,” Nakos said.
Nakos listed a total of eight candidates, with Baylor’s Dave Aranda and Arizona’s Brent Brennan at the top.
“Speaking with sources, it appears that Aranda may consider moving back to the West Coast, closer to home,” Nakos wrote. “Baylor might have better resources at this point, but the draw to go closer to home and play in the Big Ten is there.”
As for the other Big 12 coach, Nakos noted that West Coast ties could also make Brennan a strong candidate.
“A UCLA alum, Brent Brennan, built his coaching résumé by recruiting the West Coast,” Nakos wrote. “He has connections to Los Angeles, Hawaii and Washington. He’s only in Year 2 at Arizona, but he’s already faced some pressure with a new athletic director and a 4-8 mark in 2024. But he’s off to a 3-0 start in 2025 and went to three bowl games at San Jose State.”
Pate Believes Former LSU Coach is an Option for UCLA Bruins
Former LSU national championship winning head coach Ed Orgeron recently revealed on the “Pardon My Take” podcast his intention to make a return to college football.
“I think it’s time,” Orgeron said. “I’m feeling it a little bit. Haven’t made the decision totally, but I’ve got my boys settled, coaching football now. It’s been four years since I’ve been out. I’m getting the itch again.”
Pate wrote, “There’s really ONE MAN for the UCLA job.” He went on to cite Orgeron’s championship pedigree, strong recruiting ability, familiarity with the Los Angeles area, availability and reasonable price tag.
Josh Pate Drops Blunt Truth About UCLA Job, Hints at Perfect Candidate