2 Rising Coaches UCLA Should Be Considering

On today's episode of the UCLA Bruins Insider Podcast, we take a look at two young coaches UCLA needs to take a look at during the coaching search.

Sep 3, 2017; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins defensive back Adarius Pickett (6) wears Hurricane Harvey sticker on helmet during a NCAA football game against the Texas A&M Aggies at Rose Bowl. The sticker features the state of Texas inside the symbol for a hurricane and a heart over where Houston is located on the state map. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

On today's episode of the UCLA Bruins Insider Podcast, we take a look at two young coaches UCLA needs to take a look at during the coaching search.

To watch today's episode, view below:

The search is on for the next UCLA Bruins head coach following the dismissal of DeShaun Foster after just 15 games.

This next hire is one of the most important in recent history. As the Bruins continue to struggle in the Big Ten, it's important that UCLA leaders find the right guy who can build a long-lasting culture in Westwood.

So, we're going to go through some of the best candidates for the job, starting with USF head coach Alex Golesh and Texas State head coach G.J. Kinne.

Meet Alex Golesh

Sep 20, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; South Florida Bulls head coach Alex Golesh against the South Carolina State Bulldogs during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images | Kim Klement Neitzel-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.

Meet G.J. Kinne

Sep 13, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Texas State Bobcats head coach G. J. Kinne before 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 former Bruins head coach DeShaun Foster, with a proven resume of program change.

As soon as Kinne took the helm in Texas State, he immediately made an impact on the roster, bringing in 71 total new players in the summer of 2023. Kinne's first game as head coach went about as well as one would hope, giving the Bobcats their first win over a Power Five team with a win over Baylor.

Jan 3, 2025; Dallas, TX, USA; Texas State Bobcats head coach GJ Kinne celebrates with the trophy after the game against the North Texas Mean Green at Gerald J. Ford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-Imagn Images | Tim Heitman-Imagn Images

That same season, Texas State finished 8-5 and capped off Kinne's first year with a 45-21 win over Rice in the First Responder Bowl in Dallas.

If Kinne can bring that type of immediate impact to Westwood, he can prove to be one of the best hires in recent program history.

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