Former UCLA Coaching Candidate Pushing For Current Vacancy

Florida State's defensive coordinator is making another run at the Bruins' coaching gig.

Sep 12, 2025; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach DeShaun Foster looks on during the second half against the New Mexico Lobos at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images | Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

The search is on for DeShaun Foster's replacement and the new head coach of the UCLA Bruins.

Plenty of names have been thrown around, but one familiar candidate and UCLA alumnus is expected to make another go at the vacancy -- Florida State defensive coordinator Tony White.

Arizona State Sun Devils coach Tony White talks to defensive back Timarcus Davis (6) during spring football practice on Feb. 6 in Tempe. Arizona State spring football practice | Rob Schumacher/The Republic

Ira Gorawara, college sports reporter for The Athletic, reported White's presumed interest in giving the job another go.

"Tony White, former Bruin and current defensive coordinator at Florida State, briefly hopped on Sunday's call w/ UCLA alumni and Martin Jarmond," Gorawara said in an X (formerly Twitter) post. "Said a former player on the call: '(White) wants to be the next coach. He didn't say that, but ... you could just tell by his energy.'"

Tony White, former Bruin and current defensive coordinator at Florida State, briefly hopped on Sunday's call w/ UCLA alumni and Martin Jarmond.

Said a former player on the call: "(White) wants to be the next coach. He didn't say that, but ... you could just tell by his energy."

— Ira Gorawara (@IraGorawara) September 19, 2025

White was in the running for the coaching vacancy before Foster got the job two years ago. He is expected to give it another go this time around.

Since the coaching change, fans have long wished the program had opted with White instead of Foster. Along with his strong ties to Southern California, White provides more coordinator experience than Foster ever had (which was zero).

---

Martin Jarmond's Message to UCLA Players After Foster Firing

Sep 14, 2024; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins athletic director Martin Jarmond reacts during the game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Letting go of a coach isn't easy. Letting go of a coach who was as beloved by players as UCLA's DeShaun Foster is even harder.

But a move had to be made. And on Sunday, following a 35-10 loss to New Mexico that marked the Bruins' third of the season, UCLA athletic director Martin Jarmond relieved Foster of his duties after 15 games at the helm.

It's evident the Bruins needed to go in a new direction, but that doesn't change the fact that Foster was admired by all of his players (and recruits).

Immediately following the dismissal, Jarmond called a meeting with UCLA players, explaining the move. Bruins veteran offensive lineman Garrett DiGiorgio, during Wednesday's media availability, detailed the meeting and what Jarmond told them.

Nov 30, 2024; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins offensive linemen Garrett DiGiorgio (72) and Josh Carlin (54) during the second quarter against the Fresno State Bulldogs at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images | Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

"Mr. Jarmond. He came in, he showed respect to Foster and all his time that he's done here as a coach, a player," DiGiorgio said. "And I think his initial response to it was just trying to help us find that next step. Both him and Erin [Adkins, UCLA associate athletics director] came in and they're just trying to help us.

"We even had a meeting with the leadership council, some of the older guys on the team, to try to really sit down and focus on what is going on in the team and really work with Martin Jarmond and coach Skipper and Erin to really cut down on the things that we need to, and fix the things that we can."

Make sure to bookmark UCLA Bruins On SI to get all your daily UCLA Bruins news, analysis and more!

Read more on UCLA football and their second season in the Big Ten here. While you're here, check out all things UCLA basketball and Mick Cronin improving the Bruins through the transfer portal here.

Ensure you follow on X (Twitter) @UCLAInsideronSI and @cmorenoNBA to keep up with every story surrounding UCLA athletics!

Please let us know your thoughts on this when you like our Facebook page WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE.