UCLA Football: DeShaun Foster Needs To Utilize The Network Of Ex-Bruins
DeShaun Foster clearly has the support of the UCLA football team.
Upon being announced as the head coach, he was mobbed by the team in what was a carnival-like atmosphere.
While that introduction was fun, the real work begins tomorrow. He must win the press conference on Tuesday morning to assuage concerns some donors might have over his appointment as the team's next head coach. Foster has not been a head coach on any level, and that includes never being a coordinator.
While there are many components associated with the gig, there are a few that stand out as being significant. Chief among them, recruiting with energy and effort -- two things Chip Kelly did not bring to the table.
In the current climate of the sport, tied into recruiting is the world of NIL. Being able to schmooz with high-end donors is simply part of the job now for head coaches. You need to be as much of a fundraiser of money as you need to be a developer of talent on the field.
A third -- and equally as important -- element is connecting with ex-players.
Kelly didn't see this as much of a priority. There's generally a sense of pride in graduating from any college. This is particularly the case for athletes. We've seen countless athletes in all sports proudly represent their schools on social media and in person.
Despite the rich history of the university, you don't see it all that much when it comes to ex-UCLA football players. Other than Troy Aikman, those who donned the blue and gold remain rather anonymous.
This is something Foster should look to change. Any press is good press, and it's particularly beneficial when your football program/university is being presented in a positive light.
The engagement with ex-football players in Westwood has been far below where it should have been. Foster should welcome any ex-players to practice. Create events where you have big barbecues with players from all eras chopping it up. Have these players come and meet the current team members. Make it cool to wear UCLA gear again.
Mick Cronin did this when landing the UCLA Basketball job, and it isn't a coincidence that the NIL program is in a much better spot comparatively speaking to the football program.
The outreach in fostering the camaraderie of ex-players can only benefit one's program. Remember, most of these guys want to see their team do well. If they've been blessed to have made tens of millions of dollars playing professional football, they might even be willing to toss a couple of bucks towards the UCLA NIL Collective...assuming these players feel as if they're prioritized.
This is where Foster's history as a player can be utilized. He knows tons of ex-Bruins over the years -- whether he's coached them or played with them.
Recruiting within the program needs a gigantic shot in the arm. By connecting the past Bruins to the current ones, Foster may be able to grow the proverbial profile of this program. By doing so, the area of recruiting will take a big step up.
