Bruins select home grown Foster

“I’ve always dreamed of being a head coach and being the head coach here at UCLA,” Foster said before fighting back tears. “This is something I’m built for. I can do this. I’m going to put all my passion into this. I am here for these boys.”

Earl Heath

Contributing Sports Writer

UCLA’s has decided to select one of the Bruin greats for it new coach. DeShaun Foster was greeted  with excitement and brought a level of comfort and “relief” to the program this week after being chosen for the head job.

While players on the current roster made it clear to Athletic Director Martin Jarmond and the administration on Friday that they wanted Foster-It was still up to the AD to conclude his search.

“It was a surprise,” running back TJ Harden said. “My heart was racing.… I couldn’t explain the relief I had when Coach Foster walked in the room.”

Harden and linebacker Kain Medrano were among the players who swarmed around Foster as he returned to campus after departing from the program last week to become the Las Vegas Raiders running backs coach.

“It’s what everyone was asking for and hoping for,” Medrano said. “I couldn’t ask for any better coach.”

Current players, alumni and staff packed the Pavilion Club inside Pauley Pavilion to support Foster and his family as he was formally introduced during a press conference on Tuesday.

“I’ve always dreamed of being a head coach and being the head coach here at UCLA,” Foster said before fighting back tears. “This is something I’m built for. I can do this. I’m going to put all my passion into this. I am here for these boys.”

And he wants to turn things around as quickly as possible.

“My whole life I’ve hit the ground running,” he said. “I came in as a freshman and I played big-time ball early. First carry in the NFL I went 67 yards, touchdown. That’s what I do. I’m gonna hit this ground running. I’m gonna get everything going, and this team is gonna win games.”

Foster, 44, also declared that he would help guide the program in a direction and bring a level of excitement back to the program that will draw fans back to fill the stands for home games.

The former Tustin High standout introduced his three pillars that will serve as the foundation for the program: “Discipline, respect and enthusiasm.”