UCLA Hires Bob Chesney as New Football Coach, Staff Changes Loom

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. The announcement came Saturday, intensifying excitement as fans eagerly await who Chesney will bring with him to Westwood.

Chesney’s introduction is set for Tuesday, and speculation is rampant regarding his potential staff. Given his history, it is likely he will retain several key members from his successful tenure at James Madison, where he compiled a stellar 132-51 record. Notably, Dean Kennedy and Colin Hitschler, who served as offensive and defensive coordinators, respectively, could join him. Both coaches have invaluable experience at the Power Five conference level, with Kennedy previously working at Mississippi State and Florida, while Hitschler had a stint at Alabama.

Chesney’s first game in charge will be against California on September 5, 2025, marking a significant moment as he transitions from the Football Championship Subdivision to the Football Bowl Subdivision. His impressive record includes a remarkable 21-5 in two seasons at James Madison, characterized by a defensive prowess that saw six second-half shutouts this past season.

UCLA is allowing Chesney to continue coaching the Dukes through any potential College Football Playoff run, should they secure a spot among the top 12 teams on Sunday. This unique situation is unprecedented, marking Chesney as the first sitting head coach to be hired by the Bruins since 1971.

As he gears up to reshape the Bruins, Chesney faces the challenge of revitalizing a team that finished with a disappointing 3-9 record last season. The Bruins have already seen a number of players enter the transfer portal, including standout wide receiver Rico Flores Jr., highlighting the urgent need for talent acquisition.

Chesney’s previous recruiting success at James Madison, which included a school-record 20 All-Sun Belt Conference selections this season, positions him well to attract new players. Key talents like quarterback Nico Iamaleava and wide receiver Kwazi Gilmer could play pivotal roles in his rebuilding efforts.

Looking ahead, the transfer portal opens on January 2, and UCLA’s new coaching staff is expected to be extremely active, seeking both immediate talent and long-term development. The Bruins’ high school recruiting class currently stands at 16 players, primarily consisting of developmental prospects.

Chesney’s track record emphasizes the importance of “competency, connection, and chemistry” in building a winning team. As he prepares for his new role, the urgency to solidify his coaching staff and roster cannot be overstated. UCLA fans are watching closely, eager for a turnaround that could restore pride in their football program.

Stay tuned for updates as this story develops and the future of UCLA football unfolds.