UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond, brings in former Lakers executive in shakeup

UCLA has let go of athletic director Martin Jarmond days before the 2026 football season begins.

Chancellor Julio Frenk revealed the ouster Monday, Aug. 31 effective immediately, citing a "new path forward for UCLA athletics."

Former longtime Los Angeles Lakers executive Tim Harris will assume interim role of UCLA athletic director and CEO on a pro bono basis immediately. UCLA will also search for a permanent athletic director.

Jarmond, who came to UCLA in 2020, has faced much scrutiny during his tenure, which only ramped up in the past couple of years. The pressure mainly focused on football and his handling of the coach position.

UCLA found little success under former coach Chip Kelly and calls were made to remove him, but Jarmond stuck with him, only for him to leave in Feb. 2024 after the coaching cycle already concluded. It led to him hiring former Bruin star running back DeShaun Foster, which was widely criticized given Foster's lack of coaching experience.

Foster's tenure only lasted 15 games, fired after three games into his second season following an 0-3 start. The mishandling of UCLA's initial years in the Big Ten resulted in public outcry for his removal, including a plane…

Original source: https://www.usatoday.com/sports/