LOS ANGELES — Tim Skipper is reaching the end of the rope of his interim tenure in Westwood. He was supposed to be then-head coach DeShaun Foster’s assistant, generating practice schedules and completing tasks for the football program around the Wasserman Football Center.
Instead, Skipper has become a name the general college football fan can spit out on command. The 47-year-old took over the Bruins as their bye week began after a 0-3 start. Foster was on his way out – and soon, defensive coordinator Ikaika Malloe and offensive coordinator Tino Sunseri as well.
“He came into a pretty rough situation,” Bruins redshirt junior offensive lineman Sam Yoon said. “He wasn’t expecting to be in that position.”
The transfer portal opened. Not one player left during the 30-day period. Commitment, trust and “strain,” Skipper’s word of choice, became cornerstones of UCLA (3-8, 3-5 Big Ten) with the former Fresno State interim head coach in charge. Of course, Skipper has loftier aspirations than being an interim and said as such during mid-season media availabilities.
How does Skipper see the multi-month stretch of his coaching career?
“I love the team, man,” Skipper said. “We’ve been through a lot, all of us, even the coaches – everybody. We’ve all been through a lot. It’s a rollercoaster, right? Every season is a rollercoaster, but this one has been a little unique with all the changes and things that’s happened.”
He continued: “It’s crazy that we’re in the last week to me. It seems like yesterday we were playing the first game when I took over. So, gonna definitely take it all in.”
What’s left ahead of facing No. 19 USC (8-3, 6-3) is the impact Skipper has made on the UCLA roster. Redshirt sophomore linebacker Isaiah Chisom pointed to Skipper listening to how players feel – such as adjusting practice schedules when players vocalize conditioning-related situations – as what makes him unique as a coach.
“I don’t think he looks at it as a temporary thing or just an interim thing,” Chisom said. “I think he has done a great job of bringing yourself together and just asking us what we need and what we may not have been given before.”
Group-of-five programs such as Colorado State are looking for a new head coach after firing Jay Norvell on Oct. 19, and the coaching carousel is just getting underway. More jobs across the nation will open up, potentially as soon as this weekend.
Could Skipper be on his way to his first permanent head-coaching job? His current Bruins endorsement could ring heavily in the minds of athletic directors in the months ahead.
“He’s done a phenomenal job,” Yoon said. “I continue to see him grow and just take charge of this program week by week. It’s been great to watch.”
Bruised Bruins
Quarterback Nico Iamaleava (neck spasms) was dressed for practice, but did not throw during individual drills Tuesday. Wide receiver Rico Flores Jr. (calf) and running back Jaivian Thomas (did not play Saturday) also practiced.
Tight ends Hudson Habermehl (concussion protocol) and Jack Pedersen (high-ankle sprain) did not practice. If Habermehl does not play against USC, it will mark the end of his collegiate career.
Defensive back Rodrick Pleasant is out for the remainder of the season after undergoing shoulder surgery, Skipper said Monday.
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