Former UCLA football players are asking the chancellor to remove AD

A large group of former UCLA football players sent a letter to Chancellor Julio Frank earlier this month calling for the replacement of embattled athletic director Martin Jarmond “to reassert the university’s commitment both on and off the field.”

The 64 players, representing several eras of UCLA football, from Bob Toledo to Chip Kelly and including several who went on to play in the NFL, wrote that “under Martin Jarmond’s leadership, UCLA athletics expressed deep concern for the current direction. Despite the resources, history and opportunities, Mr. Jarmond has shown no interest in UCLA’s leadership or level of leadership. Instead of building a legacy based on the greatness that preceded him, his tenure as the nation’s Among major programs, UCLA is lacking in proper functioning.

“UCLA deserves an athletic director who understands that this role is not just about administration, but about stewardship of a legacy—one rooted in excellence, historic accomplishments, and national leadership. Unfortunately, Mr. Jarmond has not embodied these values, nor has he improved UCLA’s athletic standing to the standards history demands.”

The letter called for new leadership, saying it was part of a movement that is “bigger than any of us. Former players have joined forces — through countless calls, texts and meetings — to advance this cause. We are united in our commitment to preserve the proud legacy of UCLA football and athletics.”

In a statement to the Times, Frank said the university would stand behind Jarmond: “At a top university like UCLA, a successful athletics program plays a powerful role in building community and strengthening relationships. We deeply value Bruins alumni’s input on how to maintain and enhance our legendary athletics program. We will continue to work with the athletic director and UCLA in all of Jarmond’s sports. Express in and out.

Jarmond came under fire after the firing of coach DeShawn Foster after just 15 games highlighted the athletic director’s stewardship of the football program. Jarmond’s refusal to fire Kelly before Kelly left in February 2024 to take the offensive coordinator job at Ohio State led to the tough hiring of Foster, a position coach whose shortcomings as a head coach were fully apparent while posting a 5–10 record that included an 0–3 start this season.

Others have since criticized Jarmond for a wide range of shortcomings, including an inadequate response to leaked donor data, lowered expectations for success involving the once-proud football program and carte blanche spending that led to the athletic department’s deficit.

A petition calling for Jarmond’s removal or resignation received 1,462 signatures and a mobile billboard drove to Westwood with messages such as “UCLA Football Deserves Better Fire AD Martin Jarmond” and “$7 million buyout for UCLA’s AD? Failure never paid so well.”

Some have questioned why Jarmond was given a contract extension through May 2024, at a time when UCLA was transitioning from outgoing chancellor Gene Block to Frank. Under the terms of that extension, Jarmond will be owed about $7.1 million, or the full amount of his contract that runs through June 30, 2029, if he is terminated without cause.

Many seem to want him to go ahead. Before the football team’s last two home games at the Rose Bowl, a plane flew over the stadium carrying a banner calling for his dismissal.