UCLA hires Foster as head coach

UCLA named DeShaun Foster its next head coach, the school announced Monday.

"While undergoing a comprehensive search for our new head coach, DeShaun resonated from the start and throughout the whole process," athletic director Martin Jarmond said in a statement. "We are looking for a coach with integrity, energy, and passion; someone who is a great teacher, who develops young men, is a great recruiter, and fully embraces the NIL landscape to help our student-athletes. DeShaun checks all of those boxes and then some. He is a leader of men and a true Bruin."

Foster is in the UCLA Hall of Fame as a former star tailback and has been the school's running backs coach since 2017. He was set to join the Las Vegas Raiders as an assistant coach this offseason.

"This is a dream come true," Foster said. "I always envisioned being a Bruin ever since I was young, and now being the head coach at my alma mater is such a surreal feeling, and I'm grateful for this opportunity."

Foster agreed to terms on a five-year deal, a source told ESPN's Pete Thamel.

The 44-year-old's ability to impress UCLA decision-makers and his ability to resonate with the Los Angeles recruiting and fundraising market were key factors in his hire, per Thamel.

UCLA contacted more than 11 candidates about its coaching vacancy after Chip Kelly left the Bruins last week to become Ohio State's new offensive coordinator.

Kelly guided UCLA to a 35-34 record since becoming head coach ahead of the 2018 season.

Foster joins the Bruins amid some notable personnel losses for the program. Before Kelly's departure, defensive coordinator D'Anton Lynn left the team to join crosstown rival USC, and former five-star quarterback Dante Moore entered the transfer portal after one season to later join Oregon.

UCLA is set to make its Big Ten debut in the fall and will face a daunting slate that includes matchups against LSU, Penn State, and Oregon.