ESPN Names Kalani Sitake a Top Candidate to Replace DeShawn Foster at UCLA
The coaching carousel in college football may be spinning once again, and this time UCLA is at the center of the discussion. Following reports of DeShawn Foster’s unexpected departure as head coach of the Bruins, ESPN has named BYU head coach Kalani Sitake as one of the top candidates to take over the prestigious program in Westwood. The speculation has already stirred conversations across the Pac-12 and the college football landscape at large.
Foster, who took over at UCLA after Chip Kelly’s exit to the NFL, was initially seen as a steadying presence for the Bruins. His deep ties to the program as a former standout running back and respected assistant coach made him a natural choice. However, his tenure was short-lived, as the Bruins struggled to establish consistency in both recruiting and on-field performance. His resignation — reportedly due to philosophical differences with the athletic department — has left UCLA searching for a new direction.
Enter Kalani Sitake. The 48-year-old head coach of BYU has built a reputation as one of the most respected leaders in college football. Known for his infectious energy, deep care for his players, and ability to build cohesive locker rooms, Sitake has guided the Cougars through some of the most transitional years in their history. From overseeing BYU’s time as an Independent to leading them into the Big 12 Conference, Sitake has proven his adaptability and vision for long-term program building.
ESPN analysts point to Sitake’s proven record of success against Power Five opponents as a major reason he could be a fit at UCLA. During his tenure, BYU has recorded wins over programs like USC, Tennessee, Baylor, and Wisconsin — victories that boosted the Cougars’ national credibility. His ability to maximize talent, even without consistently landing top-tier recruiting classes, has been particularly noteworthy.
For UCLA, Sitake offers more than just wins and losses. He represents stability and culture — two areas the Bruins desperately need. The Pac-12, now reeling from realignment and reshuffling, demands coaches who can recruit Southern California’s rich talent pool while also navigating the new NIL-driven landscape. Sitake’s personality, which blends authenticity with competitiveness, could resonate with high school athletes and their families.
That said, leaving BYU would not be an easy decision. Sitake has often spoken of his deep love for his alma mater. A former BYU fullback himself, he has described his role in Provo as more than just a job — it’s a calling. Many in Cougar Nation see him as the long-term face of the program, and losing him to UCLA would be a seismic shift.
Still, the opportunity to lead a Pac-12 program in Los Angeles might be tempting. UCLA boasts world-class facilities, a massive media market, and the chance to re-establish itself as a powerhouse in college football. For Sitake, such a move would mean stepping into one of the nation’s largest recruiting hotbeds while competing on a national stage.
As UCLA’s search begins, Sitake’s name will likely continue to circulate. Whether he ultimately makes the leap or remains loyal to BYU, one thing is certain: his growing reputation has made him one of the most sought-after coaches in the sport. For UCLA fans, the possibility of bringing him to Westwood offers hope of stability and resurgence. For BYU, it serves as a reminder of just how valuable their head coach has become.
