College Football Analysts Blast UCLA Football HC Job, ‘Terrible Job’

Josh Pate was recently a guest on the Colin Cowherd Podcast, and the two analysts laid into UCLA football and the head coaching position in today’s landscape. The two didn’t hold back.

He argued the Bruins’ job sounds better than it really is, weighed down by structural disadvantages compared to the USC Trojans across town and other Big Ten powers.

UCLA Football Lack Of NIL Infrastructure

Cowherd pointed to NIL money as a glaring issue. USC is operating at $16-18 million annually, while UCLA lags far behind. For Cowherd, that gap explains why USC’s defensive front has improved and why UCLA struggles to keep up.

He added that as a public university with coaches commuting an hour to work, the Bruins face logistical disadvantages that elite candidates don’t want.

Perception Across The Industry

Josh Pate backed that up. He noted that both agents and coordinators often avoid UCLA football, preferring stability elsewhere rather than taking on LA’s second football program.

UCLA hasn’t been known for football in a long time, and the last time they were ranked was in 2022. For him, competing with Oregon, Ohio State, Michigan, and Penn State while being overshadowed by USC makes the role far less attractive.

The Rose Bowl’s off-campus location only adds to the obstacles.

Pate went further, ranking UCLA outside the top 45 nationally, saying multiple Group of Five jobs may carry more upside.

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He contrasted that with Kentucky, which he called one of the smartest gigs in the country, where Mark Stoops earns nearly $10 million with modest expectations.

At the top end, he called Georgia the best spot for winning titles, with SEC resources and national reach.

Tipping Point With Chip Kelly

The most telling moment, Cowherd argued, was when Chip Kelly left Westwood for a coordinator role at Ohio State. Kelly had NFL experience, a track record at Oregon, and a home in Los Angeles, yet he still chose to walk away.

To Cowherd, that move was a blunt signal that UCLA is no longer viewed as a destination job in college football.

Thoughts, Bruin Nation? Comment below!