Getting to Know Ikaika Malloe– Ikaika Malloe’s journey has been a remarkable one, starting with his role as a student assistant coach at the University of Washington in 1997. After returning to his alma mater in 2016, he held the position of co-defensive coordinator until 2021. Chip Kelly then appointed the 49-year-old to the role of UCLA defensive coordinator, making him the fourth head coach for the Bruins in as many years.
The Hawaiian native stepped in for D’Anton Lynn, who moved to USC. Malloe assumed the role of temporary defensive coordinator in the 35-22 victory against Boise State in the LA Bowl. In 2023, the Bruins wrapped up with a top-10 defense, yielding just 301.5 yards per game and 25 touchdowns. Chip Kelly praised his new defensive coordinator for his knack in nurturing NFL players on the field and molding them into exemplary individuals off the field. Malloe had previously served as the outside linebackers coach at Yale before shouldering additional responsibilities.
Exploring The Background of Ikaika Malloe
Ikaika Malloe, UCLA’s defensive coordinator, hails from Hawaii and attended Kamehameha School before enrolling at the University of Washington. His commitment to football and love for the sport were unwavering. Despite facing limitations due to his physical stature in high school, he persevered and transitioned from being allowed to punt as a sophomore to becoming a standout on the varsity squad. He amassed four varsity letters as a safety and outside linebacker before obtaining a degree in sociology from the University of Washington in 1997.
His coaching journey commenced at the University of Washington, where he served as the program coordinator. Malloe’s tenure as a graduate assistant coach coincided with the Rose Bowl team in 2000. Following this, he took on the role of program coordinator until 2000 before assuming the position of special teams coordinator at Western Illinois. In 2003, he encountered a controversy with the NCAA when he disclosed his attempt to initiate office pools for the NCAA basketball tournament.
After spending two years at Illinois, he joined UTEP in 2004. He then returned to Hawaii for a year as a special teams coordinator before transitioning to Yale as a defensive coordinator. Subsequently, he spent three years at Yale before going back to Washington in 2016. His professional journey also encompassed stints at Utah State and Portland State between his roles at Yale and Washington. At Washington, Malloe spent three years coaching the defensive line before assuming the positions of co-defensive coordinator and co-defensive coordinator/outside linebackers in 2021. In 2022, Malloe became a linebacker coach and special teams coordinator for the UCLA Bruins.
Insight into the Family of Football Coach Ikaika Malloe
Ikaika Malloe, the football coach, and his wife, Tara Malloe, have been companions since their time at UW, where Tara also pursued her education. They exchanged vows on July 14, 2001, and as a tribute to their 21st wedding anniversary in 2022, the football coach shared a heartfelt message, accompanied by a framed photo from 1997, in his office:
“This picture is in my office to remind me where we started. From then (1997) till today seems to be a blur. I recall thinking about how to make her MINE like it was yesterday!”
Ikaia and Tara are parents to four children – two sons and two daughters. Their son, Isaiah Malloe, is a defensive back at the University of Hawaii. Rated as a three-star recruit by 247Sports, he redshirted in 2022. During his senior year at Kennedy Catholic High School, Isaiah set a single-season school record for tackles (165) and interceptions (8) and achieved recognition as a four-time all-league defensive back and returner.
On the other hand, Jordan, Ikaika’s second child, has chosen to steer clear of the football field. Taylor Malloe, the coach’s eldest daughter, is engaged to Benjamin Gaoteote. The couple recently announced that they are expecting a baby boy in March. Ikaika and Tara are also proud parents to a daughter named Sloane, who celebrated her fourth birthday on March 30 last year.
