For most football fans, the 2023 merger between the XFL and USFL—two professional leagues—may not have seemed all that consequential.
But for linebacker Shea Pitts, and many other players in those leagues, the merger was earth-shattering.
Overnight, Pitts’ XFL team, the Orlando Guardians, became defunct—a casualty of widespread cuts that eliminated half the teams in both organizations. Hundreds of players scrambled to secure limited roster spots in the Canadian Football League or sought slim playing opportunities overseas.
While many of his counterparts fought to stay on the field, Pitts pivoted in the opposite direction—seeking a coaching role at his alma mater, UCLA.
His former linebackers coach, Ken Norton Jr., brought him on as a part time analyst for the Bruins—a role that has since evolved into his current position as a defensive assistant coach.
“The more I coached, the more I realized it was something I truly enjoyed,” Pitts says.
A triple-degree holder from UCLA, Pitts earned his undergraduate degree in political science before completing a Master of Education in Transformative Coaching and Leadership (TCL) through UCLA’s School of Education and Information Studies. He later added a Master of Legal Studies from the UCLA School of Law, earning a place on the Athletic Director’s Honor Roll over 15 separate academic terms.
Pitts credits his time in the TCL program with helping him feel confident in his transition to coaching. As part of the program, he mentored high school athletes at Crenshaw High School in Los Angeles. This past summer, he was also selected by the Kansas City Chiefs for the NFL’s Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship.
During that six-week immersive experience, Pitts worked alongside members of the Chiefs, including three-time Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes, 10-time Pro Bowler Travis Kelce, and All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie.
“Just being a fly on the wall in those meetings, you learn so much,” Pitts says. “But I was also tracking data during practices, working with the defensive backs, and helping contribute in any way I could.”
Living alongside players and coaches in their dormitory near the Chiefs’ summer practice facility in St. Joseph, Missouri, Pitts says every minute of every day was mapped out.
“No time was wasted,” he explains. “Everyone was always onto something, and it was clear that’s how winners approach their work.”
That same mindset, Pitts says, is what UCLA head coach DeShaun Foster—a six-year NFL veteran—has instilled in the Bruins, emphasizing attention to detail and efficiency.
“When you watch these pros, you see the elite players are not just sitting in the first row during meetings. They’re also in the first row during Bible study, when they get on the bus, and when they show up for workouts early in the morning.”
“The elite players lead by example in so many ways,” he adds. “And that’s a model our (UCLA) guys can learn from.”
Pitts draws coaching inspiration from legendary mentors, including Bill Belichick, Pete Carroll, and John Wooden—all of whom he studied extensively during his time in the TCL program.
“I think about their leadership styles constantly,” Pitts says. “Bill Belichick is all about total preparedness, but he’s also famous for his ability to recognize and develop players other teams overlook.”
“Belichick studies players and finds hidden talents—real diamonds in the rough. He drafts guys in the later rounds, trains them, and they go on to outperform the rest of the league.”
Now coordinating UCLA’s practice scout team, Pitts applies that same philosophy, looking for less-visible talents among younger, developing players.
“I’m preparing our guys, making sure they have the most information and support possible so that when their name is called, they’re ready to succeed.”
Reflecting on his time in the TCL program, Pitts emphasizes that its value-centered approach to leadership transcends sports.
“The principles and lessons you learn teach you how to lead anyone and be a teacher in life,” he says. “The faculty genuinely care about you, and you get to interact with some of the most impressive professors in the world at UCLA.”
The connections he made through TCL, he adds, continue to benefit him.
“Quentin Lake was in the program—now he’s the captain of the Los Angeles Rams. Others, like me, are coaching in college. Some have gone into business leadership.”
“This university produces exceptional individuals, and I’m blessed to have learned from so many great leaders at UCLA.”
An Agoura Hills native, Pitts graduated from Oaks Christian High School where he was captain of the football team and helped lead the Lions to a Marmonte League Championship, collecting All-League First-Team and All-Ventura County Academic Team honors… During his time as a student at UCLA, Pitts was also a staff member at the UCLA Athletic Hall of Fame — the University’s on-campus museum commemorating the accomplishments, both on and off the field, of former student athletes and coaches…Pitts’ Master of Legal Studies coursework centered on business law.
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