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VIDEO: Former Panther Delivers Most Awkward Press Conference You'll Ever See

Safe to say Deshaun Foster is better at football than he is at public speaking.

By Jason Schandl

Jul 24, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach DeShaun Foster speaks to the media during the Big 10 football media day at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 24, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach DeShaun Foster speaks to the media during the Big 10 football media day at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-USA TODAY Sports / Robert Goddin-USA TODAY Sports
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If you had to pick one position as the Carolina Panthers' best since the franchise came into existence in 1995, it's hard to argue against that being running back. DeAngelo Williams, Jonathan Stewart, Christian McCaffrey and Stephen Davis have all been serious standouts through the first few decades of franchise history.

Even role players like Deshaun Foster have given some punch to the backfield. But unfortunately for Foster, he doesn't seem to have quite the same impact as a first-time head coach in the college ranks. Just check out his first press conference for the UCLA Bruins this season – if you can.

Video: DeShaun Foster Botches UCLA Press Conference

That is a tough watch. If he's channeling his inner Nathan Fielder and doing a "so painfully awkward that it's funny" bit, then good on him for the perfect delivery. But really this just looks like he was either totally unprepared or (more likely) a severe case of stage fright.

Of course, taking jabs at Foster for this is all in good fun. Public speaking may be a necessary part of a head coach's job, but it's not one that's going to decide whether his team wins. And his earnest "I'm just basically excited, really. That's it." should bring a smile to your face.

After spending years as the running backs coach at UCLA, Foster was officially hired as the team's head coach in February, 2024. And his coaching history really shows a dedicated climb through the ranks.

He first joined on at UCLA as a volunteer assistant coach. He briefly left the bruins for Texas Tech, where he got to spend a year learning under Kliff Kingsbury, before returning to UCLA in 2017 and serving under Jim Mora and Chip Kelly.

Foster is the No. 5 rusher in Carolina Panthers history (No. 4 among running backs), having racked up 3,336 yards and 10 touchdowns on 851 carries from 2003 through 2007. That included three straight 800-plus yard season in his final three years with the team.

While Panthers fans may be more inclined to root for Duke, UNC or South Carolina in the 2024 college football season, you won't find many that aren't also wishing Foster and his UCLA Bruins all the best.

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