UCLA wasn’t performing up to the mark under head coach DeShaun Foster, yes, but nobody saw him getting sacked this fast. Just a year into the system, and his run ended suddenly after a string of ugly blowout losses, capped by a 35-10 home defeat to New Mexico. The Bruins got outscored 108-43 in their first three games, struggling on both offense and defense. Into the void stepped Tim Skipper. UCLA’s special assistant to Foster and former interim head coach at Fresno State, who assumed the interim head coach role with an experience edge. He quickly enacted changes, including parting ways with defensive coordinator Ikaika Malloe, signaling a willingness to shake up things at the staff and roster levels…

Skipper’s main push is cleaning up the style of play. You know, like less penalties, more physical, fast, no-nonsense football. And UCLA’s offense has been ice cold in the first quarter all season. But the defense is sitting near the bottom nationally against the run. Recognizing that a stopgap alone won’t cut it, UCLA’s already looking to bring in some extra firepower on the defensive coaching front. Skipper isn’t trying to go it alone as interim head coach. And especially on a defense that’s been bleeding yards like crazy.

UCLA beat writer Ben Bolch wrote on X, “Also have been told that UCLA is looking at getting Tim Skipper additional coaching help for defense for the rest of the season.” Skipper’s bigger defensive shakeup included the decision to part ways with Malloe. See, UCLA’s defense had a rough start. The Bruins allowed an average of 36 points and 431 yards per game. They have particularly struggled against the run. They ranked 132nd out of 134 FBS teams by giving up 244 rushing yards per game. On top of that, UCLA’s defense can’t seem to get off the field. It’s been tough for them to force turnovers or create game-changing plays.

And it’s evident based on how opponents tend to score early and often. UCLA allowed the first 20, 23, and 14 points in their first three games. This put the Bruins in catch-up mode very quickly, which didn’t fit with their need for a fast start. That’s where Skipper’s defensive coaching experience comes in as a beacon of hope. He was a standout middle linebacker at Fresno State, earning three All-WAC picks and serving as a two-time defensive captain. That on-field toughness translated into coaching. Skipper’s defensive focus continued with roles as linebackers coach and defensive run game coordinator at Fresno State, and later as defensive coordinator at UNLV.

The first football practice under Tim Skipper’s watch was a telling glimpse into how he’s trying to steady a ship. Skipper assured that all players were accounted for and none jumped to the portal, even though familiar faces like Mikey Matthews and Reuben Unije were out. That window remains open for 30 days after Foster’s firing. So Skipper has a little breathing room to refocus the team before tougher games arrive.

Ikaika Malloe’s self-introspection

Ikaika Malloe took personal responsibility and turmoil with him when he left UCLA’s coaching staff. Ben Bolch said Malloe blamed himself for the Bruins’ defensive mess this season and, in a surprising twist, even suggested firing him instead of head coach DeShaun Foster. Malloe lobbied for his own firing, feeling deeply responsible for the team’s shaky defensive performances.

It’s rare and telling to hear a coach openly shoulder this much of the blame. But Malloe’s admission highlights the kind of pressure and frustration hanging over UCLA’s locker room and coaching staff this year. Malloe left three days after Foster’s firing, but despite the rough results, UCLA players genuinely loved him.

Offensive tackle Garrett DiGiorgio captured the sentiment perfectly, saying, “I know some of the defensive guys loved him so much, and sorry to see him go.” And even Skipper didn’t fall behind in addressing him. “I want to personally thank him for all he’s done, especially with me, having conversations and things like that, and everything he’s done for this university. Just want to personally make sure I do that and get that handled. Great man right there.”