Pat McAfee snickers at UCLA HC DeShaun Foster's awkward introductory speech during 2024 Big Ten Media Days
UCLA's new football head coach, DeShaun Foster, had a viral moment during Big Ten Media Days when he stumbled over his words during the opening statement. Foster started by talking about UCLA joining the Big Ten conference and the university's achievements, but then seemed unsure of where to go next, leading to an awkward pause and nervous laughter.
Recently, Pat McAfee revisited this moment on his show, telecasting Foster's speech from Media Days.
"That end part, we could have slid in 4 or 5 different times. At the beginning, you think yo yourself, 'okay, not bad.' Then he starts going...I don't think he was prepared. I don't think he was gonna told what was gonna happen in there," said McAfee.
As per Fox Sports, Foster said that he will not be a "rah-rah guy" and does not believe in being overly enthusiastic, as he values his experience as a player more than a coach.
"I'm just not a rah, rah guy," Foster said. "You don't get any points for being rah-rah, but I played football. I didn't start coaching at 20. I played football in college at a high level. I got drafted playing football in the NFL for a few years at a high level and then I decided to coach.
"My path is way different than a lot of these other people that are coaching and up here doing all that stuff. Just like when I'm recruiting, it's not a pitch. Do you understand? I'm not a car salesman," he added.
DeShaun Foster elaborated on the difference between a head coach and a position coach
UCLA is on the brink of a pivotal 2024 season as they join the Big Ten conference. The upcoming season marks the debut of DeShaun Foster as the new HC, adding excitement and anticipation.
After over a decade as a position coach, Foster is getting his first opportunity as a head coach. He elaborated on the key differences between being a head coach and a position coach.
"In all aspects," said DeShaun Foster. "When you're a position coach, you're kind of locked in on your position a little bit, and then I took pride in that, so I really was locked in on my guys, and now that I have the whole team, I just like that because I get to touch more people.
"When I was a running back coach, I could only really get my hands on the offense, but now that I'm the head coach, I can talk to, I get to be involved, and I'm just able to touch guys on a bigger scale," he added.
The newly appointed head coach will be looked upon as the leader of the squad and is expected to guide UCLA to success in the Big Ten Conference.