UCLA Bruins, largely described now as a ‘tier 2 program’ amongst the Big 10 heavyweights, still has aspirations to punch above its weight. A 5-7 season under head coach DeShaun Foster’s debut season didn’t show that, and now a 3-0 start in 2025, despite acquiring an SEC QB like Nico Iamaleava, finally led DeShaun Foster to pack his bags from Pasadena. “Serving as the head coach at UCLA, my beloved alma mater, has been the honor of a lifetime,” said Foster after getting fired as UCLA head coach. While the interim HC Tim Skipper leads the Bruins for now, Chris Hummer has weighed in on who could be the ideal replacement for Foster.

DeShaun Foster brought in 33 transfers and 22 commitments for the 2025 class, after adding 20 portal players last year. The strategy largely backfired, as UCLA averaged just 16.5 points per game (115th nationally). The defense, too, was a disappointment, ranked 120th nationally, with attendance dropping more than 50% at the Rose Bowl in the last decade. The requirement now is to clear the house and lay new foundations. To do that, FSU’s defensive coordinator was named the man.

Chris Hummer, along with his fellow hosts like Brandon Marcello, discussed potential reports about DeShaun Foster’s replacement, and the name of Tony White stood out for Hummer. “A name that I think is going to come up and has come up is Tony White, the defensive coordinator at Florida State. He’s a UCLA alumnus, has been up for a number of head coach jobs the last couple of years, just interviewed in a couple of these situations,” said Hummer. The work that Tony White has done at FSU is truly remarkable.

FSU last year was at the bottom of the barrel, finishing with just 2 wins. The team gave up 29.9 points per game, sitting 91st nationally, while in total defense, FSU was ranked 84th nationally. But this year, the defense under Tony White has been a force to be reckoned with and has been sitting at 37th nationally, giving up just 17 points per game. Moreover, the statement win against Alabama, limiting them to just 17 points, has bolstered White’s resume, which can surely lead him to the West Coast. But it may take some time for now.

“If Florida State continues the momentum they’ve had this year. I think Tony White is a guy who can garner some momentum there, and a lot of agents have mentioned his name to me, not only today, but in the last couple of months, if UCLA Bruins ever comes open,” said Hummer. Currently, Tony White is on a three-year contract starting from December 2024, on a $4.8 million contract. As for his buyout, paying it won’t be a problem for UCLA, considering it is 100% of the remaining contract, which would stand around $3.3 million if he leaves after one full year for a power conference team. Moreover, FSU sure would be getting a head coach who has deep ties with UCLA.

Other names are also gaining traction at the UCLA Bruins

A graduate of UCLA himself, Tony White played as a linebacker for the team from 1997 to 2000, earning praise as an “on-field” coach. His knack for film breakdowns and recruiting knowledge was quite nuanced for his age, and that led him to become a graduate assistant at UCLA in 2007. From then on, White’s journey has been strong, earning the Broyles Award nominations both in 2023 and 2024. The now-FSU’s DC’s Cornhuskers’ defense was remarkable, getting top-20 ranked, which made him the first DC since 2015 for Nebraska to get a Broyles nomination. That said, while Tony White’s name is at the top, other names are also being explored for the UCLA Bruins job.

“Will UCLA make a big swing? If they do, the name that came up to me from someone was Jonathan Smith at Michigan State, Pasadena native, who has the West Coast ties previously at Oregon State. Michigan State, no offense, is a second-tier Big 10 program. UCLA is in that situation, too. But because it’s on the west coast, maybe he wants another fresh start, go back out west,” said Brandon Marcello. Of course, Jonathan Smith would be a great option for the UCLA Bruins, but other names, ranging from Oregon’s Will Stein and Nevada head coach Dan Mullen, were also explored.

Currently, Tim Skipper has been named the interim head coach for the remainder of the 2025 season. But Tony White, 46, has a wealth of experience, along with his UCLA ties, and that makes him the prime candidate for the job. Athletic Director Martin Jarmond, though, has made it clear about UCLA’s intention to compete amongst the top brass, and for that, a comprehensive search is expected at UCLA. “It’s a signal to our fans that this is not what Bruin football is going to be,” announced Jarmond.