The Search Continues: Potential Candidates to Lead UCLA Football
Following the recent coaching change, UCLA is embarking on a search for its next head football coach. Several candidates with varying levels of experience and ties to the program have emerged as potential contenders. Here’s a look at seven individuals who could be in the mix:
Kyle Whittingham, Utah Utes Head Coach
Whittingham has demonstrated consistent success during his tenure at Utah, building a program known for its toughness and defensive prowess. Through three games this season, the Utes boast an notable average of 8.3 yards per play, ranking third nationally, and secured a dominant 69-3 victory over Oklahoma State in Week 2.
D’Anton Lynn, UCLA Defensive Coordinator (Interim)
Lynn, 35, is the youngest potential candidate and would be the youngest head coach in UCLA history since Terry Donahue, who was 31 when appointed. While possessing only three years of coordinator experience, some observers suggest his profile might be similar to the previous hire.
Tony White, florida State Defensive Coordinator
Considered a strong candidate, White was previously interviewed for the UCLA position during the cycle that resulted in the hiring of the current coach.A UCLA alumnus,White played for the Bruins from 1997 to 2000,starting in his final three seasons and serving as team captain in 2000.He also served as a graduate assistant at UCLA in 2007. White has extensive defensive coordinator experience at Arizona State, Syracuse, Nebraska, and currently at Florida State, where the Seminoles have started the season 2-0, including a 31-17 win over Alabama.
Brent brennan, Arizona Head Coach
Like White, Brennan is a former UCLA Bruin. Unlike White, he already has head coaching experience, having served as the head coach at San Jose State from 2017 to 2023, compiling a 34-48 record and leading the Spartans to thier first outright conference title in 2020 with a 7-1 record. Despite a 4-8 record in his first season at Arizona,Brennan could be a candidate depending on the program’s performance in the 2025 season.
Clark Lea, Vanderbilt Head Coach
Lea has strong ties to UCLA, beginning his coaching career as a graduate assistant under Karl dorrell in 2007 and returning under Rick Neuheisel in the same role before becoming linebackers coach from 2010 to 2011. He has demonstrated success at Vanderbilt, improving the program’s record from a 9-27 start to a 10-6 run. While he recently signed a contract extension and played college football at Vanderbilt, his UCLA roots could be a factor.
Brennan Marion, Sacramento State Head Coach
Marion is a rising star in the coaching world, having significantly improved UNLV’s offense during his two years as offensive coordinator, leading to a team that ranked 14th nationally with 36.2 points per game in 2024. While considered an unlikely candidate for this cycle, his potential is noteworthy.
Other Potential names: The search may also include consideration of Washington head coach Jedd Fisch, Minnesota head coach PJ Fleck, Georgia defensive coordinator Glenn Schumann, and UNLV head coach Dan Mullen.
This article was originally published on September 15, 2025, at 3:05 PM PDT.