Born into a football dynasty, Tino Sunseri plans to honor the tradition with UCLA's offensive strategy
UCLA's football team is gearing up for an exciting new chapter, with Tino Sunseri stepping into the role of offensive coordinator. The appointment, made by Chip Kelly, follows a brief exchange where former UCLA running back DeShaun Foster promised to hire Sunseri someday.
Sunseri brings a wealth of experience to the table. His father, Sal Sunseri, is a familiar name in the world of football, having won a Bowl Championship Series title game at the Rose Bowl with Florida State in January 2014. Tino's coaching style is rooted in understanding the learning style of each quarterback, aiming to maximize their potential.
Sunseri's offensive approach is expected to be fast-paced, reminiscent of Indiana's style, with run-pass options and a strong passing attack. Presnap movement will be a staple, designed to keep defenses guessing about the play call. This approach proved successful in 2022, when transfer quarterback Todd Centeio (now a graduate assistant at UCLA) led a team to the Sun Belt Conference's East Division title under Sunseri.
Sunseri's connection with UCLA's coach, DeShaun Foster, dates back to their time working together in the Carolina Panthers' locker room. Foster's faith in Sunseri's abilities led to his hire, and the two are now set to bring their combined expertise to the Bruins.
Tino Sunseri's journey to UCLA has been far from conventional. Growing up, he moved frequently due to his father's coaching jobs in various colleges and the NFL. Despite these challenges, Sunseri led his Pittsburgh high school to a 16-0 season and state championship. His college summers were spent working at the family restaurant, Bella Notte, in Pittsburgh.
Sunseri's football career extended beyond college, with stints in the Canadian Football League and the Grey Cup. He also started his coaching career with Jimbo Fisher's Florida State staff. His first year at James Madison, veteran quarterback Cole Johnson helped the Dukes reach the semifinals of the Division I-AA playoffs.
Sal Sunseri, Tino's father, is a testament to the sacrifices made for success. He would wake up at 5 am to run the family's Italian deli and grocery store in Pittsburgh. The family patriarch, Anthony Sunseri, also worked hard to support the family.
As UCLA prepares for the upcoming season, the team looks forward to the innovative strategies and leadership that Tino Sunseri will bring. The 2026 recruiting class is on pace to become UCLA's best since they finished No. 19 in 2018.
Meanwhile, UCLA receiver Kwazi Gilmer aims to make history, with his sights set on winning the Biletnikoff Award, something no Bruins receiver has achieved thus far.
With the arrival of Tino Sunseri, the Bruins are poised for an exciting future on the field. The team, under the guidance of Sunseri and Foster, looks forward to challenging for titles and setting new records.
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