Football-loving Tino Sunseri aims to preserve tradition with UCLA's offensive strategy

UCLA Hires Tino Sunseri as Offensive Coordinator

UCLA has made a significant move in the college football coaching world, hiring Tino Sunseri as their new offensive coordinator. DeShaun Foster, the Bruins' coach, has brought on board a man who has a proven track record of success and a unique coaching style.

Sunseri's journey in football began when he befriended him as a middle-school boy while working in the Panthers' locker room. This relationship laid the foundation for Sunseri's coaching career, which took off after going undrafted and playing in the Canadian Football League. He won a Grey Cup with the Saskatchewan Roughriders before being cut.

Sunseri's coaching style is meticulous and exacting, maximizing his quarterbacks' potential. He tailors his approach to each quarterback, adapting his coaching style to suit their individual needs. This adaptability has been evident throughout his career, from his time with Jimbo Fisher's Florida State staff to working with Nick Saban and Steve Sarkisian at Alabama.

In his first year at James Madison, Sunseri helped veteran quarterback Cole Johnson lead the team to the semifinals of the Division I-AA playoffs. A year later, he and Jordan McCloud, a transfer from Arizona, teamed to win another division title. Sunseri's success continued at Indiana, where Kurtis Rourke, the quarterback who led the Hoosiers to an 11-2 record last season, credits Sunseri for tailoring his coaching style to suit his learning style.

Chad Foster, UCLA's coach, has rewarded Sunseri with a two-year contract that will pay him $1.3 million this year. The Bruins' offense is expected to resemble Indiana's, with a fast-paced, efficient passing attack and run-pass options.

Kwazi Gilmer, the UCLA receiver, wants to win the Biletnikoff Award, something no Bruins receiver has done. Nico Iamaleava, the highly rated transfer quarterback from Tennessee, is confident that Sunseri's history of immediate success could be repeated.

Sunseri's journey from working in the Panthers' locker room to becoming UCLA's offensive coordinator is a testament to his dedication and passion for football. His focus on self-assessment and adaptability ensures that his quarterbacks are not overwhelmed with information, allowing them to perform at their best. With Sunseri at the helm, UCLA's offense is poised for a successful season.

Tino Sunseri's family played a significant role in his upbringing and football career. His grandfather, Anthony Sunseri, was a family patriarch who worked early hours at an Italian deli and grocery store in Pittsburgh. His father, Sal Sunseri, spent seven years as defensive line coach with the Carolina Panthers, during which his wife, Roxann, would make 150 meatballs with garlic bread for the defensive linemen.

Sunseri led his high school, Central Catholic, to a 16-0 season and state championship before playing college football at Pittsburgh, where he helped the team reach three bowl games. Despite his success, Sunseri's first year at James Madison saw him face challenges. However, he persevered and helped the team achieve historic success during the 2024 season that ended in the College Football Playoff.

In 2022, transfer quarterback Todd Centeio was part of a team that won the Sun Belt Conference's East Division title under Sunseri. Sunseri later worked as quarterbacks coach under Curt Cignetti at James Madison, continuing his streak of success.

Sunseri's coaching style is not just about winning games; it's about developing young athletes and helping them reach their full potential. His long, wavy black hair, which his father made him shave as a young quarterback to ensure a snug fit in his helmet, is a reminder of his humble beginnings and his journey to becoming one of the most sought-after offensive coordinators in college football. With Sunseri at the helm, UCLA's offense is poised for a successful season.