UCLA Football Hires Bob Chesney, Staff Decisions Loom Urgently

UPDATE: UCLA has officially hired Bob Chesney as its new football coach, just confirmed hours after he led James Madison to the Sun Belt Conference championship. The announcement comes as the Bruins prepare for a critical transition, with Chesney set to be introduced on campus this Tuesday.

The urgency now shifts to who Chesney will bring with him following his move from Harrisonburg, Virginia. It’s highly anticipated that Chesney will retain several of his trusted assistants from James Madison, many of whom have been with him for years, dating back to his time at Salve Regina in Division III.

Chesney’s staff includes key figures like offensive coordinator Dean Kennedy and defensive coordinator Colin Hitschler, both of whom could provide crucial experience at the Power Four level. Kennedy has SEC experience, having worked at Mississippi State and Florida, while Hitschler was previously at Alabama. Their success at James Madison, with top national rankings in scoring offense and defense, could significantly impact UCLA’s prospects.

UCLA’s season opener is scheduled for September 5, 2026, against California, marking Chesney’s first game as a head coach or assistant at the Football Bowl Subdivision level. Despite his impressive record of 132-51 across various divisions, he faces the daunting challenge of revitalizing a struggling Bruins team that finished with a disappointing 3-9 record last season.

Chesney will continue to coach the Dukes during any potential College Football Playoff run, a rare opportunity under his new contract with UCLA. He becomes the first sitting head coach hired by the Bruins since 1971, when they brought in Pepper Rodgers from Kansas.

As the Bruins transition to a more dynamic name, image, and likeness operation with the Champion of Westwood agency, the staff changes could have lasting implications. Recent indicators show several UCLA players, including standout wide receiver Rico Flores Jr., have entered the transfer portal, highlighting the urgent need for recruitment and retention efforts.

Chesney’s history of retaining staff will be critical as he looks to build a competitive roster. At James Madison, he kept two coaches during his transition, emphasizing his focus on “competency, connection, and chemistry.”

With UCLA’s recruiting class currently at 16 players, the Bruins must also focus on retaining top talent like quarterback Nico Iamaleava and other key players with eligibility. The upcoming transfer portal opening on January 2, 2026, is a pivotal date for the Bruins as they seek to bolster their lineup ahead of the season.

As the situation evolves, all eyes will be on UCLA and Chesney’s strategic decisions over the coming days, making this a thrilling time for Bruins fans. Will he bring familiar faces from James Madison? Can he restore the Bruins to prominence? The answers could redefine UCLA football for years to come.