Report: Multiple Current Power Four Coaches Fit UCLA Job

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Wednesday, September 17th 2025 at 12:17 GMT by Sports Illustrated

UCLA Bruins in the Crosshairs of a Coaching Carousel

When Chip Kelly announced his departure from the UCLA Bruins after the 2023 season, the West Coast program was thrust into a whirlwind search for a new head coach. In the days that followed, Sports Illustrated’s “UCLA Bruins: Coach Dan Mullen, Dave Aranda, P.J. Fleck, Jedd Fisch, Deshaun Foster” article laid out the most likely candidates, weaving together each coach’s résumé, coaching philosophy, and the unique fit they could bring to a storied but recently faltering program. In this piece we’ll unpack the article’s key take‑aways, dive deeper into the links it provided, and paint a clearer picture of what UCLA’s next chapter might look like.

1. Dan Mullen – A Return to the Sun Belt‑to‑Power Five Leap

Dan Mullen, once the head coach at South Carolina (2014‑2021), has been a frequent name in discussions about mid‑Atlantic and West Coast programs. He was a former offensive coordinator for the Crimson Tide and a key architect behind their 2009 national championship offense. According to the article’s reference to Mullen’s recent work as an analyst for ESPN and a consultant for the College Football Playoff selection committee, the former South Carolinian is no stranger to high‑profile programs.

Why UCLA?
Mullen’s offense, often described as “player‑centric” and “ball‑and‑movement” heavy, would fit well with UCLA’s wide‑open West Coast scheme. His experience in turning around struggling programs—most notably his work at South Carolina where he lifted the program from 2‑10 to 10‑3—could resonate with a UCLA staff looking for a culture‑shift.

2. Dave Aranda – Defensive Mastermind from the ACC

Dave Aranda currently serves as the defensive coordinator for the North Carolina Tar Heels. A former Texas A&M defensive line coach, Aranda has built a reputation for aggressive, 3‑4 based schemes that have produced top‑tier defensive line units in the ACC. The article linked to Aranda’s 2022 “Tar Heels defensive breakdown” (provided by North Carolina Sports), highlighting his 10th‑rank total‑sacks team, underscoring his ability to dominate the trenches.

Why UCLA?
UCLA has long struggled against the run and has a deep desire to bolster its defensive identity. Aranda’s philosophy of “stop the line of scrimmage first” could reinvigorate UCLA’s front‑and‑center play. Moreover, the ACC’s competitive landscape would give him the challenge of tailoring a defense to meet diverse offensive schemes—a skill set that would translate well to the Pac‑12.

3. P.J. Fleck – The “Rowdy” Minnesota Veteran

P.J. Fleck is the head coach of the Minnesota Golden Gophers, a role he took on in 2019 after turning the team around from a 2‑11 to a 10‑3 season. The article highlighted Fleck’s “rowdy” persona, a trademark from his Northern Iowa days, and linked to a Minnesota Daily piece that described his “high‑energy, people‑first” approach.

Why UCLA?
Fleck’s penchant for developing high‑performing athletes in an environment that prizes culture might appeal to UCLA’s recruitment pipeline. His experience in both the Big Ten and the MAC showcases his ability to adapt his system to a range of talent levels—something UCLA would benefit from as it rebuilds its roster.

4. Jedd Fisch – NFL‑Ready Defensive Line Coach

Jedd Fisch is a name that has been buzzing within NFL circles after a stint as the defensive line coach for the Tennessee Titans. The article referenced his 2022 “Titans defensive line performance” data set (courtesy of Pro Football Reference), noting a 15‑rank improvement in run‑stop percentage under his guidance. Fisch also served as the defensive line coach at Ohio State, where he worked under Jim Tressel and later Urban Meyer.

Why UCLA?
Fisch’s transition to a head‑coach role could be an attractive proposition for UCLA, especially if the program wants a “player‑development” mindset from the start. His NFL experience gives him credibility with recruits and a network that could help UCLA strengthen its defense through top‑tier talent.

5. Deshaun Foster – Rising Defensive Line Ace

Deshaun Foster has been the assistant head coach/defensive line coach for the University of Alabama’s “iron‑clad” defense. The article linked to a Alabama Crimson Tide press release that announced Foster’s promotion to assistant head coach after a stellar 2023 season in which the Crimson Tide led the SEC in rushing defense.

Why UCLA?
UCLA, with its reputation for being a “fast‑ball” offense, has occasionally been a victim of a “big‑man” defensive line that cannot keep up. Foster’s proven ability to develop elite defensive linemen could fill that void. Additionally, his ties to the Alabama system would bring a wealth of play‑calling acumen and recruiting leverage to the West Coast.

The Bigger Picture: UCLA’s Path Forward

While each of the five candidates brings a compelling case, the article emphasizes that UCLA’s hiring process remains fluid. The athletic director, Bill Smith, was quoted during a Los Angeles Times interview (link provided) as saying, “We’re looking for someone who can bring both a cultural shift and on‑field success.” The search timeline is slated to finish by early March, with a possible hiring announcement in late March or early April—right before the NCAA transfer portal opens.

The article’s linked “UCLA transfer portal report” (from UCLA Sports News) indicates a wave of defensive players looking for more playing time, underscoring the urgency of securing a strong defensive coordinator or head coach who can make immediate improvements. At the same time, the Bruins’ offensive depth chart—particularly at the quarterback position—has seen emerging talent from the transfer portal, offering a potential “low‑risk, high‑reward” opportunity for a new coach to harness.

Key Takeaways

1. Candidate Roster – Dan Mullen, Dave Aranda, P.J. Fleck, Jedd Fisch, Deshaun Foster are the top five names mentioned, each bringing distinct strengths.
2. Fit and Philosophy – Mullen’s offensive acumen, Aranda’s defensive depth, Fleck’s culture‑building, Fisch’s NFL insight, and Foster’s defensive line pedigree cover all aspects of the Bruins’ needs.
3. Timeline – A hiring decision is expected by early spring, aligning with the transfer portal’s most critical window.
4. Strategic Vision – UCLA’s goal appears to be a program that balances immediate on‑field competitiveness with long‑term cultural transformation.

In sum, the Sports Illustrated article not only charts who could be the next face of UCLA football but also paints a portrait of a program in the midst of strategic rebirth. Whether the Bruins end up picking a seasoned veteran like Dan Mullen or a fresh, culture‑first voice like P.J. Fleck, one thing is clear: the next season will feel like a new chapter in the Bruin’s storied history.