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QB Discarded By Chip Kelly Explains Why UCLA Got Better With New Hire

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Ethan Garbers at UCLA football practice next to head coach Chip Kelly.

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QB Ethan Garbers is pumped about his team’s new head coach. The UCLA passer explained why he believes the Bruins will be better under DeShaun Foster than they were with Chip Kelly.

He threw a jab at the program’s former leader in the process, suggesting that Chip Kelly had drained the enjoyment out of the game for a number of players.

There was an initial sense of letdown when Kelly took an unexpected demotion, bolting for Ohio State to take the offensive coordinator role. The fact that UCLA had given him a second chance of sorts at seasons’ end only added to those frustrations.

Kelly was reportedly on the chopping block after the Bruins lost in back-to-back weeks to Arizona and Arizona State. A change of heart was seen after beating rival USC, however, and Kelly hung onto his job following a Sun Bowl win.

So, it was a bit of a slap in the face when he suddenly dipped for Columbus.

Those feelings of resentment are now gone, though, as excitement rings through Los Angeles.

UCLA replaced Chip Kelly with DeShaun Foster

Foster, who played for the Bruins and coached on Kelly’s staff, was announced as the team’s new head coach this week. He was immediately bombarded by UCLA players upon being introduced.

After meeting with roster members, Foster turned his attention to the media. In his introductory presser, he spoke about the opportunity that lies ahead and the plan moving forward.

Foster was emotional in that press conference, almost breaking down when speaking about the dream finally coming to fruition.

“You guys have no idea… I’m telling you, this is something I’m built for y’all. I’m here for these boys. I’ve been here for them.”

That’s a strong message to a group that felt abandoned not too long ago, and it seems the feeling is mutual.

Ethan Garbers talks about the new hire

The signal caller broke down why he believes Foster is the right guy to lead the team moving forward. He thinks his passion for the program will pay immediate dividends.

“[It won’t be] like under coach (Chip) Kelly,” Garbers said after Foster’s presser. “Not that we didn’t have fun, but it was more of a job than playing football. Coach (DeShaun) Foster wants to get back to playing football and having fun while you’re doing it.”

That message echoes the excitement seen when the head coach was introduced to his guys. The hire could also work wonders in keeping potential transfers in Los Angeles.

Given that familiarity and enthusiasm for the team, many have already opted to remove speculation. Running back TJ Harden made it clear that he has no intention of leaving with DeShaun Foster at the helm.

Having the locker room intact should allow Foster to focus on the recruiting trail, where he expects to compete on a national level.

“We’re taking this nationally. This isn’t just a local California, LA thing… Our brand is national.”

Foster’s done his part in winning the press conference. Next, he’ll turn his attention to the football field. It’s clear that those UCLA players are happy with the way things have played out to this point.