Top Names Emerging For UCLA Coaching Vacancy

Here's a quick list of coaches who are prime candidates to replace DeShaun Foster on the Bruins.

Sep 12, 2025; Pasadena, California, USA; New Mexico Lobos head coach Jason Eck (left) shakes hands with UCLA Bruins head coach DeShaun Foster (right) after their game at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images | Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

The search is on for UCLA's next head football coach after DeShaun Foster was relieved of his duties following a devastating 0-3 start to the season.

As the search for Foster's replacement commences, let's dive into some names that can find themselves in the conversation, starting with some young culture setters who can make a lasting impact in Westwood.

Alex Golesh, HC, USF

Oct 21, 2023; East Hartford, Connecticut, USA; South Florida Bulls head coach Alex Golesh before the start of the game against the UConn Huskies at Rentschler Field at Pratt & Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images | David Butler II-Imagn Images

Golesh is one of the fastest-rising names in all of college football. On the heels of leading his Bulls to back-to-back upsets against No. 25 Boise State and No. 13 Florida, UCLA won't be the only one clamoring for the 41-year-old.

What makes Golesh an interesting, potentially top-priority name? He could be a massive factor in retaining star quarterback Nico Iamaleava. Golesh was Tennessee's offensive coordinator while the Vols were heavily recruiting Iamaleava.

If UCLA wants to maintain any momentum from what may become a lost season, Golesh can help keep top talent in Westwood.

Brian Hartline, OC, Ohio State

Ohio State Buckeyes offensive coordinator Brian Hartline motions during spring football practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center in Columbus on March 19, 2025. | Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Hartline is one of the most respected offensive coordinators and wide receivers coaches in the nation. He can instantly make a recruiting impact at the receiver and quarterback positions (something UCLA will need to address post-Iamaleava).

He's young, has championship experience and can easily connect with players similarly to Foster. The difference? He's versed in play-calling and elite Big Ten offenses. Just like Golesh, Hartline can be a reason for Iamaleava to stay.

The downsides? He has no connection to Southern California, which can put a wrinkle in his recruiting efforts. But the Bruins have done a good job at reaching across the country for recruits lately.

Scotty Walden, HC, UTEP

UTEP head football coach Scotty Walden leads players onto the field for the home opener against UT Martin at the Sun Bowl in El Paso on Saturday, Sept. 6. | Gaby Velasquez / El Paso Times / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Walden is one of the youngest, dynamic coaches in the nation. The Texas-born head coach is pioneering a new culture and turnaround in El Paso, which may pique the interest of UCLA.

His tenure leading the Miners hasn't started the best -- UTEP is 4-11 through his first two seasons -- but the change he's fostering in the program is tangible. This one may be one of the longer shots, but if Martin Jarmond and the Bruins are looking for a young, fiery culture-setter, Walden shouldn't be overlooked.

Kenny Dillingham, HC, Arizona State

Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham yells to his team as they play against NAU during a game at Mountain America Stadium in Tempe on Aug. 30, 2025. | Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

This one may be the longest shot, but is it really?

Dillingham is one of the loudest, dynamic coaches in the nation and has done a tremendous job turning around the Sun Devils.

Sure, Arizona State as a program is in a better spot than UCLA, having just made a miraculous run to the College Football Playoff, but imagine if Dillingham were surrounded by more resources, better facilities, a stronger conference and, most importantly, more money.

The Bruins can certainly outbid Arizona State, and if Jarmond and UCLA's search committee are serious about landing a program changer, then they need to throw all the money they can at Dillingham.

G.J. Kinne, HC, Texas State

Sep 13, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Texas State Bobcats head coach G. J. Kinne during a time out in the first quarter of the game between Arizona State Sun Devils and Texas State Bobcats. Mandatory Credit: Arianna Grainey-Imagn Images | Arianna Grainey-Imagn Images

Kinne has been lauded as one of the best rebuilders in college football. Before taking over Texas State in 2022, the Bobcats hadn't had a winning season in nine seasons.

Since being hired, Texas State has won two consecutive bowl games and is off to a 2-1 start in the 2025 season. In the early stages of the coaching carousel, Kinne is a name being mentioned frequently.

At the ripe age of 36, Kinne already has more coaching experience than Foster, with a proven resume of program change.

Jonathan Smith, HC, Michigan State

Sep 13, 2025; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan State head coach Jonathan Smith takes the field before a game against Youngstown State at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Mullin-Imagn Images | Brendan Mullin-Imagn Images

A Pasadena, California native, Jonathan Smith took the Michigan State Spartans head coaching job two years ago, but there is a world where he could have stayed West Coast. His knowledge of the Big 10 would come in handy for the Bruins.

While he has had recent success as the Spartans' head coach this season, he has had more resources at his disposal. If UCLA were to add him, bring the native back to the West Coast, things could look up for the Bruins' program's future.

Dan Mullen, HC, UNLV

Dan Mullen is out at Florida. Syndication Gainesville Sun | Brad McClenny / USA TODAY NETWORK

Mullen is off to a strong start with UNLV, even taking down the Bruins in Week 3 of the campaign. Mullen, a former ESPN analyst, has been successful as an offensive head coach in his career, something the Bruins could use right about now.

"Dan Mullen is an experienced and proven winner as a head coach at the highest levels of college football," UNLV president Keith E. Whitfield said. "I'm confident that he'll build on the strong momentum that Rebel football experienced the past two years and lead our program to even greater heights in the years to come."

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