Hitschler Reunites with Former Linebacker at UCLA
UCLA's new defensive coordinator Colin Hitschler is pleased to be working again with linebacker Trent Hendrick, whom he previously coached at James Madison University. The reunion brings familiarity to the Bruins' defense.
Colin Hitschler's appointment as UCLA's defensive coordinator brings a familiar face to the Bruins' linebacker corps. Trent Hendrick previously played under Hitschler at James Madison University, where the two developed a working relationship that now carries into the Power Five level. Hitschler has expressed satisfaction with the reunion, noting that established trust can ease the transition into a new defensive system.
The move highlights how coaching changes often reshape rosters and player development paths. For UCLA, having a coordinator who already understands Hendrick's strengths may accelerate the linebacker's integration into the Bruins' defensive scheme. Such continuity is rare in the transfer-heavy landscape of modern college football, where players and coaches frequently move between programs.
This reunion could signal a smoother defensive transition for UCLA, potentially benefiting team morale and on-field communication. Fans and alumni may view the familiarity as a stabilizing factor during coaching turnover. For Hendrick, renewed trust with a coach could accelerate his development and visibility, which may influence his professional prospects. The story also reflects broader trends in college athletics, where relationships increasingly shape roster and staff decisions.