The UCLA Bruins football program looks much different than it did at the end of the 2023 season. Chip Kelly left for the Ohio State offensive coordinator job in a stunning turn of events.
DeShaun Foster was quickly hired as the new head coach. He has put together a loaded staff. The biggest name is offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, who spent a lot of time in the NFL, most notably with Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs.
So, there are a lot of new faces in Westwood, including a new defensive coordinator as D’Anton Lynn went to USC in the same role. Here is a look at the UCLA Bruins coaching staff for the 2024 season.
DESHAUN FOSTER, HEAD COACH
Feb 13, 2024; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins athletic director Martin Jarmond, right, with new head football coach DeShaun Foster during a press conference at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Foster is a former UCLA star and NFL running back, and he has his first-ever head coaching job.
ERIC BIENIEMY, ASSOCIATE HC/OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR
Aug 20, 2021; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) hugs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy during the second half of the game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Eric Bieniemy is a familiar name to football fans and he will be running the offense in Westwood.
IKAIKA MALLOE, DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR
Dec 30, 2017; Glendale, AZ, USA; Washington Huskies defensive line coach Ikaika Malloe (center) against the Penn State Nittany Lions in the 2017 Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The former Washington Huskies star and assistant takes over the DC job with Lynn’s departure.
JUAN CASTILLO, OFFENSIVE LINE
May 12, 2012; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Juan Castillo talks with wide receivers Ron Johnson (80) and Elvis Akpla (88) during rookie mini camp at the Philadelphia Eagles NovaCare Complex. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Juan Castillo has a loaded resume, including nearly 30 years in the NFL. He was with the Philadelphia Eagles for 18 seasons and brings a ton of experience to the fold.
MARCUS THOMAS, RUNNING BACKS
Dec 30, 2013; Fort Worth, TX, USA; Navy Midshipmen running back Geoffrey Whiteside (29) runs the ball while running back Marcus Thomas (26) blocks in the first quarter against the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Marcus Thomas was on UCLA’s staff from 2019 until 2021 when he left for a job at Navy, his alma mater. Now he returns.
TONY WASHINGTON JR., DEFENSIVE LINE/OUTSIDE LINEBACKERS
Aug 19, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans outside linebacker Tony Washington Jr., (49) strips the ball from New England Patriots quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) with a sack during the third quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Washington was a grad assistant with the Oregon Ducks before coming to UCLA. Above he is pictured with the Houston Texans.
ERIK FRAZIER, WIDE RECEIVERS
Tennessee Titans offensive skill assistant Erik Frazier tries to punch the ball away from wide receiver Mason Kinsey (12) during practice at Saint Thomas Sports Park Tuesday, June 7, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn.
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Erik Frazier has experience in both the NFL and college and even worked with Bieniemy in Kansas City.
JERRY NEUHEISEL, TIGHT ENDS
Sep 24, 2022; Boulder, Colorado, USA; UCLA Bruins wide receiver coach Jerry Neuheisel and wide receiver Matt Sykes (12) celebrate a touchdown in the first quarter at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Neuheisel is not a new name for UCLA fans. The big difference is he goes from WRs coach to coaching the tight ends.
BRIAN NORWOOD, ASSISTANT HC/SAFETIES/PASSING GAME COORDINATOR
Sep 23, 2023; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; A detailed view of the Big Ten Conference logo on the field prior to the game between the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-USA TODAY Sports
Brian Norwood has a lot of experience, including a stint with Penn State from 2001 until 2007. He has been in Westwood for four years now as well.
TED WHITE, QUARTERBACKS
Dec 11, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Jeff Driskel (6) carries the ball against the Dallas Cowboys during the second half at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-USA TODAY Sports
Ted White most recently coached quarterbacks with the Houston Texans, and he is taking that role with the Bruins.
KODI WHITFIELD, SPECIAL TEAMS COORDINATOR/CORNERBACKS
Oct 18, 2014; Tempe, AZ, USA; Stanford Cardinal safety Kodi Whitfield (5) against the Arizona State Sun Devils in the first quarter at Sun Devil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The former Stanford standout is set to coach the cornerbacks and special teams for UCLA.
