UCLA grabs key Big Ten assistant for OC vacancy, per report
UCLA finished with a 5-7 record in DeShaun Foster’s first season as the head coach in 2024. After the disappointing year, the Bruins are shaking up the coaching staff.
The team reportedly parted with offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy after just 1 season on Thursday. It seemed like the Bruins were quickly zeroing in on Bieniemy’s replacement and the team has reportedly made it official.
According to Zach Osterman with the Indy Star, Tino Sunseri, quarterbacks coach and co-OC at Indiana, has reportedly accepted the OC job with UCLA. However, Osterman indicates Sunseri will remain with the Hoosiers through the College Football Playoff.
Breaking: Source tells IndyStar that Tino Sunseri, IU’s QBs coach/co-OC, will leave Indiana for the open offensive coordinator job at UCLA at the end of season. Sunseri will remain with the Hoosiers through the Playoff. #iufb
— Zach Osterman (@ZachOsterman) December 5, 2024
Sunseri has received praise for helping turn the Hoosiers around in 2024. The coach worked with Kurtis Rourke who tied for the B1G lead with 27 passing touchdowns as the Hoosiers also finished No. 2 in the nation in scoring offense, averaging 43.3 points per game.
Sunseri had stints as an assistant at Florida State, Tennessee, and Alabama before taking the QB coach role at James Madison. The coach followed Curt Cignetti to Indiana and helped turn the Hoosiers into a legitimate contender.
The Bruins are hoping Sunseri can work some magic with their offense in 2025. Under Bieniemy, the Bruins finished No. 126 in the nation in scoring offense and No. 117 in total offense.
UCLA did not qualify for a bowl game, so all eyes are on 2025. After Early Signing Day, the Bruins have the No. 50 recruiting class for next season.