The UCLA Bruins football program is undergoing significant changes as it prepares for the upcoming 2025 season. A notable addition to the coaching staff is Bailey McElwain, who will serve as the senior special teams analyst. Despite his young age, McElwain brings a wealth of experience and has already made an impact in various roles across different universities. Meanwhile, DeShaun Foster, the head coach, acknowledges the need for improvement after a challenging 2024 season that did not culminate in a bowl game appearance.
McElwain's journey from a player at Vanderbilt to becoming a respected coach includes overcoming a career-ending injury early in his playing days. His diverse coaching experience spans several institutions, including UNLV, Northwestern, Northern Arizona, Washington, and a previous stint at UCLA. The Bruins aim to leverage McElwain’s expertise and fresh perspective to enhance their special teams performance. This strategic move reflects the team's commitment to rebuilding and achieving greater success on the field.
Young Talent Returns to Enhance Special Teams
The appointment of Bailey McElwain as the senior special teams analyst marks a significant step in UCLA's efforts to strengthen its coaching lineup. At just 26 years old, McElwain has already demonstrated remarkable versatility and resilience in both playing and coaching capacities. His return to Westwood signifies not only a personal milestone but also a strategic advantage for the Bruins. With a background that includes positions at multiple universities, McElwain brings valuable insights and innovative strategies to the table.
McElwain's career began with a brief stint as a fullback at Vanderbilt, where an unfortunate injury prematurely ended his playing days. However, this setback did not deter him from pursuing a coaching career. After graduating from the University of Alabama Birmingham, he quickly ascended through various coaching roles. His experiences at UNLV, Northwestern, Northern Arizona, and Washington have equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of the sport. Moreover, his previous role as a special teams analyst at UCLA in 2022 provided firsthand knowledge of the program's strengths and areas needing improvement. Now, as the senior special teams analyst, McElwain is poised to implement targeted enhancements that could significantly boost the team's performance.
Coaching Overhaul Signals Commitment to Improvement
The reshaping of the UCLA Bruins coaching staff underscores the team's determination to elevate its performance. Head coach DeShaun Foster recognizes the importance of assembling a robust and dynamic coaching team to address the shortcomings of the past season. Although the Bruins showed promise in 2024, falling short of a bowl game highlighted the need for strategic adjustments. The hiring of McElwain exemplifies this commitment to fostering growth and innovation within the program.
Foster's leadership in reconfiguring the coaching staff aims to inject new energy and expertise into every aspect of the team. By bringing in individuals like McElwain, who possess a blend of youthful enthusiasm and seasoned wisdom, UCLA seeks to create a more competitive environment. The focus on enhancing special teams operations is particularly crucial, as this area can often be the deciding factor in close matches. As the Bruins prepare for the challenges ahead, the revamped coaching structure offers a promising foundation for future success. The ongoing efforts to refine and expand the coaching team reflect UCLA's unwavering dedication to excellence in football.