Coach DeShaun Foster’s first season in Westwood sparked a range of reactions nationwide. A 5-7, bowl-less campaign left opinions split.  

But one takeaway seems to be cutting through the noise: The first-year head coach isn’t shying from bold, sweeping changes. 

Just a few hours after parting ways with former associate head coach and offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, Foster reportedly ushered in Tino Sunseri – the Indiana co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach who has spearheaded one of this year’s best collegiate offenses. 

A source confirmed the departure to the IndyStar on Thursday afternoon, though no move can be made official until Indiana’s 2024 season concludes. The Hoosiers are currently the No. 9 seed in the College Football Playoff, which will be officially announced Dec. 8.

Sunseri’s move comes in the wake of UCLA parting ways with Bieniemy following underwhelming offensive production this past season, as the team ranked 117th nationally in total offense and mustered a lackluster 18.4 points per game – eclipsing the 20-point mark just twice all season. 

Through his sole season in Bloomington, Sunseri was indispensable in the recruitment and evolution of standout quarterback Kurtis Rourke – who earned Second Team All-Big Ten honors after completing 70.4% of his passes while racking up 2,827 yards and 27 touchdowns to lead the nation with a 181.4 passer rating. 

Sunseri’s work alongside co-offensive coordinator and play-caller Mike Shanahan propelled the Hoosiers to rank No. 24 in total offense and No. 2 in scoring offense in the nation with 43.3 points per game. The tandem helped guide a passing attack that garnered 14.1 yards per catch and 4.5 yards per carry in 2024. 

Foster’s connection to Sunseri traces back to his playing days in the NFL with the Carolina Panthers. As a running back for the Panthers from 2002 to 2007, Foster played under Sal Sunseri – Tino Sunseri’s father – who served as the team’s defensive line coach from 2002 to 2008. 

UCLA has yet to make an official announcement regarding Sunseri’s hiring given Indiana’s season is ongoing. However, with preparations already in place for spring football, the Bruins will likely look to quickly integrate Sunseri’s system and tackle key offensive concerns – the most pressing of which are addressing the quarterback room and shoring up the offensive line. 

After ushering in Sunseri to head the backfield and Demetrice Martin to strengthen the Bruins’ secondary, Foster looks to be squandering no time in setting a new tone for 2025.