Martin Jarmond hasn’t had the easiest path as athletic director at UCLA.

Jarmond was hired in May 2020 during the early months of the pandemic. A noted fundraiser when he arrived from Boston College, Jarmond inherited a program that posted an $18.9 million deficit in 2019 and things have only gotten worse financially.

The pandemic aside, the biggest cash cow in the athletic department happened to be run by Chip Kelly — a man known more for his combative demeanor, less for a schmoozing personality that would entice large donations.

Now, though, after Kelly walked Friday after six seasons in Westwood to become the Ohio State offensive coordinator, Jarmond faces a make-or-break moment in the search for the 18th head coach in the football program’s history.

“When you have chaos, there’s an opportunity to move forward and lead, and that’s what we’re gonna do and that’s what I’m excited about, this opportunity,” Jarmond said in a 12-minute Zoom call with reporters.