UCLA Coach DeShaun Foster Limits Media Access to Protect Practice Strategy

UCLA head football coach DeShaun Foster has instituted a restrictive media policy in his second season, limiting access to practices and player interviews to prevent opponents from gaining strategic insights. Foster expressed concern that media coverage, including practice footage posted online, could reveal key details about the team's depth chart and play strategies, thereby giving opponents an advantage. Despite criticism that this approach may hurt fan engagement and marketing efforts, Foster emphasized that winning games will naturally generate marketing success and dismissed concerns over media exposure. His Bruins team, coming off a 5-7 record in 2024 and facing a tough 2025 schedule, will use this closed-door approach as a means to focus on performance rather than publicity. Foster’s media strategy marks a significant shift from past seasons and reflects his commitment to prioritize on-field success over traditional media relations. The upcoming season opener against Utah will be an early test of whether Foster's approach pays off competitively or damages the program’s broader appeal.