This post was updated Sept. 25 at 12:26 a.m.

Defensive coordinator Ikaika Malloe and the university mutually agreed to part ways, UCLA football interim head coach Tim Skipper announced Wednesday at practice.

Malloe was in his second year as leader of the defense and was selected as a nominee for the Broyles Award, which is given to the nation’s best assistant coach, in 2024. 

He first joined the staff in 2021 as an outside linebackers and special teams coach and was elevated to the defensive line in 2023, one year before his promotion to his former post.

“Defensively, collaboratively as a staff on defense, we are going to get these kids in the right positions to where they can be successful – meaning we are going to do things that they can do well,” Skipper said. “That is kind of where we are as far as defensive staff-wise goes, leads me into coach Malloe and the university have mutually agreed to part ways.”

Malloe’s departure from Westwood comes just three days after former Bruin head coach DeShaun Foster was relieved of his duties. 

Skipper did not comment on who Malloe’s replacement was going to be for the 2025 campaign.

“I really do not know the whole story behind it,” Skipper said. “I wish I could tell you more, but I honestly don’t know.”

The Broyles Award nominee led a Bruin defense last year that produced four 2025 NFL Draft picks and ranked No. 6 in the nation in fewest rushing yards allowed per game.

However, the 2025 campaign has been a different story.

The Bruin defense has been one of the worst in the nation, getting outscored 108-43 and conceding 1,293 yards through three games. 

UCLA’s rush defense – in particular – has struggled, giving up an average of 244 ground yards per game through just three contests, including 286 to Utah and 298 to New Mexico.

With the departure of both the program’s head coach and defensive coordinator over the last three days, Skipper added that he is treating this week with the team as training camp before they focus on Northwestern next week.

“In my mind right now, we are in training camp, and then next week, we will be getting ready for the first game. That’s how I’m seeing things right now,” Skipper said. “We are working through stuff right now – in training camp in my mind – and then as we get into next week, we will figure out exactly how we are going to do this thing.”

After Foster was relieved of his duties, a 30-day transfer window opened, during which players could enter the portal. Players also still have the opportunity to redshirt after only having played three games.

While no one has left yet, the departure of Malloe could accelerate the process. However, Skipper said no players or coaches have shown an inclination to move.

“He is the only staff member to have any announcement to talk about or anything like that right now,” Skipper said. “I have had very positive conversations with our guys. There’s nothing to announce or report that way. We are going to practice today, the squad’s here, healthy bodies will be out there working. That’s a day-to-day fluid situation. This university, this campus, this coaching staff has a lot to offer to these guys.”