How Tim Skipper Has Transformed The UCLA Bruins

Tim Skipper still has the word “interim” next to his name, but nothing about how he’s running the UCLA Bruins feels temporary. Two weeks ago, this team looked dead in the water. Now, they look alive, confident, and like they actually enjoy playing football again.

On Andy and Ari On3, Skipper explained what changed. “It’s never a good moment when you become the interim head coach. Something bad has happened,” he said. “My primary focus is just how do I get the guys to love football again? What do we need to do to love football and to give us the best chance to win games?”

That love started with accountability. His first order of business wasn’t a new playbook; it was cleaning up the locker room. He had players organize their space, put up photos, and take pride in the small details. “We needed to win off the field before we were going to win on the field,” Skipper said. “Take care of your stuff.”

Tim Skipper Has Fully Changed The UCLA Bruins

From there, he made bold moves. He promoted tight ends coach Jerry Neuheisel to offensive playcaller, and the Bruins’ attack instantly opened up. “He’s just a brilliant football mind,” Skipper said. “He’s got a bright, bright future, and hopefully it just gets better and better.”

Since the change, the UCLA Bruins have scored 80 points in two games after averaging just 14 per game in their first four.

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Quarterback Nico Iamaleava has been the biggest beneficiary. Skipper praised him as both a player and a leader. “He’s a natural-born leader. He voices his opinion whether it’s good or bad, and people follow him,” Skipper said.

Nico’s decision to come to Westwood was looking like a total career ender for the young signal caller, but he’s turned it around expeditiously. “He didn’t shy from it. He didn’t run away from it. He attacked it.”

Iamaleava has taken full control of the offense, using his legs when the play breaks down and setting the tone with his energy. If he continues at his current pace, he’ll lead this team to a few more surprise wins down the stretch in the BIG10.

Skipper keeps things simple. “There’s no excuses with football,” he said. “Nobody’s gonna feel sorry for you once that whistle’s blown and it’s kickoff time. The standard’s the standard. Adapt, overcome, and let’s go play.”

His message has stuck so far, and UCLA is playing with belief again. Skipper won’t say it out loud, but it’s obvious he’s doing everything to earn that job full-time. If he leads them to a few more wins like he has so far, the administration will have a hard time saying no.