URGENT UPDATE: UCLA has officially hired Bob Chesney as its new football coach, just over 13 hours after he led James Madison to the Sun Belt Conference championship. As the Bruins prepare for his introduction on campus on Tuesday, the focus now shifts to which members of Chesney’s successful staff will join him in Los Angeles.
Chesney’s track record speaks volumes: in his two seasons at James Madison, he compiled a remarkable 21-5 record, including a stellar 12-1 mark in 2025. His coaching pedigree includes experience that could benefit UCLA, especially with potential hires like offensive coordinator Dean Kennedy and defensive coordinator Colin Hitschler. Both coaches have a history of success at the highest levels, including time in the Southeastern Conference and at Alabama.
As the Bruins’ season opener against California approaches on September 5, all eyes will be on Chesney’s transition to the Football Bowl Subdivision. This pivotal game will mark his debut as a head coach at this level, following a career that has seen him rise from Division III to the Football Championship Subdivision.
UCLA has allowed Chesney to continue coaching James Madison as they pursue a spot in the College Football Playoff, should they be among the 12 teams selected this Sunday. This unique arrangement allows for continuity while the Bruins prepare for a new era.
Chesney’s hiring marks the first time since 1971 that UCLA has brought in a sitting head coach, a bold move that signals their commitment to revamping the program. The Bruins’ current roster is in need of significant upgrades, having finished last season with a disappointing 3-9 record. The lack of first-, second-, or third-team All-Big Ten selections highlights the urgent need for talent acquisition.
As players like standout receiver Rico Flores Jr. enter the transfer portal, Chesney faces a daunting challenge of rebuilding. However, he also has the opportunity to bring along familiar faces from his successful James Madison squad, which boasted a record 20 All-Sun Belt Conference selections this season.
Looking ahead, the most critical date for UCLA fans is January 2, 2026, when the transfer portal opens. This will be a crucial moment for Chesney to attract talent that can help elevate the Bruins back to competitiveness. He will also need to prioritize keeping key players such as quarterback Nico Iamaleava and wide receiver Kwazi Gilmer on the roster to ensure a rapid turnaround.
With his five-year contract in hand, Chesney must now focus on assembling a staff that reflects his vision while addressing the pressing needs of the UCLA football program. The excitement surrounding this new chapter is palpable, and fans are eager to see how this transition unfolds.
As Chesney prepares to unveil his coaching staff, the Bruins community is buzzing with anticipation. Will he retain loyal assistants from James Madison, or will he seek fresh faces to rejuvenate the program? One thing is certain: the UCLA football landscape is about to change dramatically, and fans are on the edge of their seats.
