UCLA won’t be forced into a forgettable season just yet, and Tim Skipper has ensured that. A team that had struggled to secure 50 points in the first four games has managed to rack up 80 in just the next two. That meant obvious questions around the future of the Bruins’ interim head coach.

Will UCLA hand the reins over to someone more experienced to carry on the momentum, or will Skipper become the frontrunner? The program, though, hasn’t entertained either of the speculations. However, while Skipper is busy ensuring a turnaround, the athletic department reportedly isn’t sitting ideal either.

On October 12th, UCLA beat writer Ben Bloch dropped insider news about the program’s board of regents meeting: “The UC Regents are meeting Tuesday to discuss how much UCLA can pay its next football coach.” The UC Regents, aka the governing board for the University of California system, are holding a special closed meeting on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at UC San Francisco to discuss on the same.

It is a necessary question for a program with a comparatively smaller purse.

Last year, the board voted on $10 million annually for the coaching staff for the next three years. When former head coach DeShaun Foster joined, he agreed to a five-year, $15 million contract. After earning $3 million in his first year (2024), the deal ensured a $100k increase annually. For a little perspective, that ranked 62nd on the highest-paid coaches table, while Kenny Dillingham, who ranked no.25, earns $7.4 million alone.

Now, AD Martin Jarmond and executive senior associate AD Erin Adkins are on the search for a coach who can ‘win them championships’. A few names have been thrown around accordingly:

Jedd Fisch, who has previously served as offensive coordinator for UCLA in 2017, with stints as an assistant coach in the NFL.
Pat Fitzgerald, the former Northwestern Wildcats head coach.

The concern, though, arises in the salaries. If UCLA decides to sign Fisch, they will owe $10 million to Washington if he leaves mid-season. On the other hand, Fitzgerald was earning around $7 million before he was fired in 2023 in the aftermath of a hazing scandal. That will be a huge adjustment to the UCLA purse, which already owes Foster $7 million in buyout for firing him before December 2025.

If Jarmond and Adkins do want to bring in coaches who will lead them to a title, they need to show that the program is committed and serious. A solid contract and a few internal adjustments ensure that. That’s where the UC Regents come in. Word is that UCLA would require the governing body’s approval if they are making big jumps in coach salaries. Because just north of $3 million a year might not prove sufficient.

Will UCLA take the big step, or Skipper, who is proving his worth, be considered with his impressive record and already program-friendly contract?

Tim Skipper head coach dilemma?

Tim Skipper has done a great job since becoming UCLA’s interim football coach. He’s 2-1 while Foster dropped down to 0-3 in his second season earlier this year. He took over during a tough time and quickly brought extra energy and a positive attitude to the team. What’s more, the players are all in for his “why not me?” approach. Upon a public records request, UCLA revealed how he was being compensated.

Reportedly, Skipper is making $875k while serving as interim head coach. This is more than what 30 other college football head coaches make. Additionally, his contract also ensures a bonus if the team reaches the College Football Playoff; $20,000 just for making it and an extra $10,000 for each round they advance, up to $100k total. Even though making the playoffs is unlikely, the bonuses show UCLA values his success.

As the season continues, Skipper’s future in the team will continue to take shape. For now, he says he has “not thought about that one ounce.” What matters is bringing the best out of his players.