In Reply to: I asked ChatGPT who we should hire posted by TJJ on September 15, 2025 at 18:47:34
Right. UCLA lit the fuse, the Rose Bowl was half-empty, and now there’s a search. Here’s who makes the most sense given UCLA’s realities: Big Ten schedule, uneven NIL, LA distractions, and a roster that needs a clear identity. Foster is out. Tim Skipper is the interim. That’s confirmed. ([UCLA][1])
## Top targets I’d push in front of the committee
**1) D’Anton Lynn, USC DC**
Elite recruiter and scheme builder with recent UCLA success on defense. He stabilized USC’s defense fast and already knows SoCal. Poach the guy who flipped the city narrative. Risk: first-time HC. Upside: instant defensive floor and portal credibility. ([CBSSports.com][2])
**2) Tosh Lupoi, Oregon DC**
Relentless recruiter with West Coast ties. Oregon’s front has teeth and he has national credibility from Alabama and the NFL. Risk: first-time HC. Upside: talent acquisition, which UCLA needs more than cute playbooks. ([ESPN.com][3])
**3) Spencer Danielson, Boise State HC**
Young, SoCal roots, back-to-back MW titles, CFP appearance. Program builder energy without the circus. Risk: short resume and Boise halo effect. Upside: hungry CEO type who can grow with the job. ([CBSSports.com][2])
**4) Deion Sanders, Colorado HC**
You want attention, donors, portal wins, and packed Rose Bowl lots. This is the fastest route. Risk: volatility and noise. Upside: immediate roster upgrade and national relevance in LA. Make him say no. ([SI][4])
**5) P.J. Fleck, Minnesota HC**
Proven program elevator. Salesmanship fits the LA market better than folks admit. Risk: cultural fit eye-rolls. Upside: identity, recruiting plan, and competent staff building on day one. ([SI][4])
**6) Dan Mullen, UNLV HC**
Won in the SEC and just beat you. Offensive identity plus QB development that your boosters keep pretending is easy. Risk: roster-management baggage. Upside: instant competency and a real offense. ([SI][4])
**7) Tony White, Florida State DC**
UCLA alum. Respected teacher and culture guy. Rocky Long tree. Risk: first-time HC. Upside: identity, player development, and local ties without the price tag of a splash hire. ([ESPN.com][3])
**8) Jonathan Smith, Michigan State HC**
Pasadena native. Built Oregon State the hard way and knows the Big Ten grind. Risk: buyout and resources. Upside: adult in the room who can stabilize quickly. ([CBSSports.com][2])
**9) Will Stein, Oregon OC**
Rising offensive mind with modern build-a-program instincts. Risk: first-time HC in a tough job. Upside: you pair him with a killer GM-style personnel director and go young. ([SI][4])
**10) Kalani Sitake, BYU HC**
Physical identity, steady culture, West ties. Risk: does he leave BYU without more resources on paper. Upside: higher floor than UCLA has had in years. ([ESPN.com][3])
## How I’d prioritize by UCLA’s constraints
* **If you want recruiting star power**: Sanders, Lupoi, Lynn.
* **If you want a stable builder**: Smith, Danielson, Sitake.
* **If you want offense now**: Mullen, Stein.
* **If you want cultural reset without a circus**: White, Danielson.
## Non-negotiables for the hire
* Clear NIL plan with donor alignment.
* Staff salary pool that looks Big Ten, not “Pac-12 after dark.”
* Portal strategy built around SoCal skill plus Big Ten line play.
* Keep the right pieces on the roster and in the 2026 class. ESPN already flagged retention as a day-one task. ([ESPN.com][3])
If they try to bargain-shop again, expect a repeat. Firing Foster after 0-3 and the New Mexico debacle made the hole deeper. Swing like you mean it or stop pretending football matters in Westwood. ([ESPN.com][5])