UCLA coaching candidates: P.J. Fleck, David Shaw among top options to replace Chip Kelly

Kelly put UCLA in a tough spot with his late departure, but there are some intriguing names to know

By Will Backus Feb 9, 2024 at 8:27 pm ET• 6 min read

Chip Kelly left UCLA in a tough spot by abruptly leaving the program after six years, to become Ohio State's offensive coordinator. From an optics perspective, it's a blow for the Bruins to lose their sitting coach just so he can become an assistant at a future Big Ten competitor. Practically, UCLA's options for his successor are a lot more limited this late in the coaching carousel. 

Unless UCLA pulls out all the stops to make a splash hire, it's basically left with two options: hire an effective interim coach that can keep things stable until the 2024-25 hiring window opens, or take a chance on a young name or respected assistant coach that may have the chops to lead the program. 

Compounding the issue are the circumstances surrounding UCLA's program. Despite the university's ideal location and historic tradition, the Bruins stagnated under Kelly and lost any momentum they may have built in prior seasons. Their roster ranks in the bottom third nationally in terms of returning production, and the 2024 schedule is an absolute monster with games against the likes of LSU, Oregon, Penn State and Washington awaiting whoever steps in.

That's not to say UCLA completely lacks options. There are some intriguing names that could jump at the opportunity to coach a rather prestigious Big Ten institution. Here are a few to keep an eye on as UCLA's search unfolds.