DeShaun Foster understands that many people think he will struggle in his first season as UCLA’s head coach.
Foster, who used to play for UCLA and was an assistant coach, is now in charge after Chip Kelly left to become the offensive coordinator at Ohio State. On top of that, UCLA is joining the Big Ten Conference this season.
Foster said his team is taking the low expectations in stride, but being ranked as the fourth-worst team in the 18-school conference by the Cleveland.com Big Ten media poll has motivated them.
“You better hope you didn’t doubt us because it’s going to be tough,” Foster said. “I’ve got memories from 1998 when I played at UCLA. There are some people I’m still keeping track of.”
Foster was an assistant for seven years before leaving in January to coach running backs for the Las Vegas Raiders.
When Kelly left for Ohio State after a 35-34 record in six seasons, athletic director Martin Jarmond quickly brought Foster back.
Foster has enough returning talent to help the Bruins aim for a bowl game for the fourth year in a row. Eight offensive starters are back from last year’s 8-5 team, including quarterback Ethan Garbers.
One of the key offseason additions was Eric Bieniemy as offensive coordinator. Bieniemy, who won two Super Bowls with the Kansas City Chiefs, had a less successful stint with the Washington Commanders last year.
However, the defense is a concern. Although the Bruins had a strong defense last season, they only return two starters, and defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn has moved to USC.
That’s why Foster is focusing on actions rather than words.
