UCLA Football Reset: Interim Coach Tim Skipper Implements New Plan After Rocky Start

UCLA has named Tim Skipper its interim head football coach. The move follows the firing of DeShaun Foster after an 0-3 start to the season. The Bruins are one of only two winless power conference teams in the nation.

Skipper officially took over the program this past Sunday. He brings recent interim coaching experience from his time at Fresno State in 2024. The team will use its open week to reset before beginning Big Ten play.

Skipper Draws on Fresno State Interim Experience

Tim Skipper finds himself leading a major program for the second consecutive season. He previously served as Fresno State’s interim coach in 2024 after Jeff Tedford stepped down for health reasons.

That experience gives him a crucial advantage this time. Skipper already has practice plans and daily formulas prepared. According to AP News, he stated this preparation puts him ahead of where he was last year.

His tenure at Fresno State resulted in a 6-7 record. The season ended with a double-overtime loss in the Idaho Potato Bowl.

Major Changes Underway for Bruin Football Program

Skipper has announced a complete reset for the struggling program. He has declared the team is now in a new “training camp” phase. The focus is solely on the present, not past losses or future games.

One significant change is the departure of defensive coordinator Ikaika Malloe. Skipper confirmed this is the only staff change announced so far. The plan for defensive play-calling duties is still being determined.

Further roster changes are possible as players can now enter the transfer portal. Some athletes may also elect to take a redshirt season. The Bruins have not yet played four games, preserving eligibility.

UCLA Faces Uphill Battle in Tough Big Ten Conference

The Bruins begin conference play on September 27th at Northwestern. They face a brutal schedule featuring multiple top-ranked opponents. This includes games against No. 1 Ohio State and No. 2 Penn State.

The team has struggled significantly on both sides of the ball. The offense has failed to score in the first quarter all season. The defense ranks near the bottom nationally against the run.

UCLA also leads the nation in penalties per game. Skipper believes fixing the team’s style of play is the first step toward improvement. He emphasizes playing hard, fast, and physical above all else.

UCLA’s football reset under Tim Skipper represents a critical juncture for the program. The interim coach’s previous experience provides a blueprint for navigating this challenging transition. The entire college football world will be watching this UCLA football reset closely as Big Ten play begins.

Info at your fingertips

Who is Tim Skipper?

Tim Skipper is UCLA’s new interim head coach. He previously served as interim coach at Fresno State in 2024. Skipper was also a four-year starting linebacker at Fresno State.

Why was there a coaching change at UCLA?

UCLA fired head coach DeShaun Foster after an 0-3 start to the season. The team is one of only two winless power conference programs. The decision was made following a loss to New Mexico.

What are UCLA’s biggest problems this season?

The offense has not scored in the first quarter all year. The defense ranks third-worst against the run in major college football. The team also leads the nation in penalties per game.

When does UCLA play next?

The Bruins have an open week before beginning Big Ten play. They face Northwestern on September 27th. This gives the new coaching staff two weeks to implement changes.

Can players leave UCLA now?

Yes, players can enter the transfer portal following the coaching change. Some may also elect to take a redshirt season. The team has not yet played four games, preserving eligibility.

Who will call defensive plays?

Skipper announced defensive coordinator Ikaika Malloe has departed. The plan for defensive play-calling is still being determined. No replacement has been named yet.

Trusted Sources

Associated Press