‘I want to have fun while playing football.’ UCLA’s DeShaun Foster details plans

UCLA coach Deshaun Foster, center, talks on the sidelines during UCLA pro day. (Michael Owen Baker / For The Times)

On a recent morning inside DeShaun Foster’s sprawling third-floor office, automatic shades are lowered to block out the harsh sunlight — not to mention an arresting view of the practice field below.

The new UCLA football coach enters the room, greets a visitor and snags two bottles of water from a refrigerator before settling onto a taupe sectional couch.

A quick glance around the room reveals his allegiance.

Resting behind one side of the couch is a small bear statue. On top of a nearby cabinet lies a laminated photocopy of a license plate with the phrase “KILL SC.” On a wall behind Foster’s massive desk on the far side of the room are the retired numbers of Bruins legends.

Already a beloved figure who starred at running back for UCLA’s last Rose Bowl team a quarter of a century ago, Foster would rise to mythical status if he can restore his alma mater to glory after making the jump from running backs coach to head boss.

Read more: It’s an emotional start for DeShaun Foster as UCLA football coach

During an extensive interview with The Times, Foster discussed the philosophy of his new coaching staff as well as the challenges facing a team preparing to open spring practice April 2:

You’ve been on the job for a little more than a month now. What’s been the biggest thing you’ve learned becoming head coach at your alma mater?

It’s just the complete opposite of, you’re a position coach, you know? It’s just a lot more stuff that you’re involved in — nutrition — I was already involved in academics but just housing stuff or different things. You’re more of a CEO, so it’s just managing all of the different components. … Nothing I didn’t expect, but it is a lot.

How many hour days…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/want-fun-while-playing-football-120020204.html

Author : LA Times

Publish date : 2024-03-20 12:00:20

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