2024 B1G Media Days: Spotlight on UCLA Bruins

One of the newest members of the Big Ten Conference took the stage for media days on July 24 in Indianapolis as DeShaun Foster took questions for UCLA. The first-year coach of Bruins, Foster is navigating uncharted waters for the program in one of the school's first official appearances as a member of the new-look B1G. In Foster's mind, there is no doubt that the Bruins will fit right in.

After Chip Kelly stepped down as coach for UCLA and left for an Ohio State offensive coordinator position, many questions arose about the program's future and direction. Now, Foster represents UCLA in a new era for the program. Joining him at B1G Media Days was quarterback Ethan Garbers, wide receiver J. Michael Sturdivant and defensive lineman Jay Toia.

DeShaun Foster Takes the Stand for UCLA

Before taking the reigns of the Bruins, Foster had served a role under Kelly as a running backs coach. Just days before taking the job as coach at UCLA, he took a job with the Las Vegas Raiders. However, his history with his alma mater, the Bruins, was more than enough to pry him away from the NFL and back to Los Angeles.

Foster's opening statement was short and sweet. Immediately, fans of rival schools like USC took to social media to criticize how "awkward" Foster's first impression to the B1G media was. However, his feelings about UCLA and this new opportunity in the B1G were clear.

"I'm happy to be here, glad to be a part of this great conference," he said. "Finally putting two great emblems together, UCLA and the Big Ten."

Moments later, he addressed the neighboring rivals at USC.

"I'm sure you guys don't know too much about UCLA, our football program, but we're in L.A. It's us and USC," Foster said.

While not your traditional opening statement, social media had mixed reactions. As far as the media is concerned, the shortness left plenty of time for other questions.

UCLA's Focus on the Offense, Run Game

Given his background as an RB coach and a former NFL back himself, questions about how the Bruins run game will look were bound to be asked. Kelly is one of the greatest offensive minds in college football history, and after his departure, drastic changes could be made to how UCLA approaches putting the ball on the ground. Foster is confident in his RB room, saying he believes their group is solid.

"I'm really excited about my running back room," Foster said. "We have TJ Harden, Keegan Jones coming back. TJ is a bigger power back, going into his junior year, played a lot as a freshman. Really came out of his shell last season."

Foster wasn't the only new hire for the Bruins football program. UCLA made a splash by hiring Eric Bieniemy as their OC, someone with years of experience in that role in the NFL. Bieniemy spent last year with the Washington Commanders but previously was the OC of the Kansas City Chiefs. His style of offense led to two Super Bowls with Patrick Mahomes as his QB. Being a first-time coach, getting assistants and coordinators on your staff with experience is huge.

"Being a first-year head coach, I needed to make sure that I had somebody that I didn't have to micromanage," Foster said. "Having Eric Bieniemy, that was perfect for me because he's an established offensive coordinator, and just the type of experiences and all of the knowledge that he has, I can lean on him and really use that."

Bieniemy loves to utilize the run game and RPOs, so he and Foster should get along well.

Foster on Building His Culture

One of the biggest reasons to hire a new coach is a fresh start. People often underestimate just how much a coach can change the entire vibe of a program. The first thing most coaches do when taking over a new program is instill their values, ideology and culture. With UCLA looking to get to the next level and compete in the B1G, Foster's culture needs to be solid.

"Three things you will see with my football team is discipline, respect, and enthusiasm," Foster said. "Those are my pillars. No matter what, you should be able to see that, win, lose or draw."

As the Bruins begin their new journey in the world of the B1G, the team is going to have to follow all those things to see any sort of success.

"I think, if we do that and we're able to present that every game, the outcome will come out in our favor," Foster said.

Make sure to tune in to College Football Dawgs for updates on the B1G media days and more UCLA content.