UCLA hires Chesney as new head coach

UCLA hired Bob Chesney as its new head coach, the school announced Saturday.

"Chesney has built programs into consistent winners at every stop in his career, and he's ready to do it at UCLA," athletic director Martin Jarmond said in a statement. "From our very first conversation, he articulated a clear vision of success for UCLA Football and a plan to elevate our program back to national prominence."

UCLA will introduce Chesney at a press conference on Tuesday.

Chesney said he believes that the Bruins have "every ingredient necessary" to be competitive under his leadership.

"Through our many conversations, it became abundantly clear to me that UCLA is willing to do what it takes to build a championship-level program," Chesney said. "UCLA is a very special place. From its stellar academics, impactful alumni, geographic location, and deep recruiting base, this is a program that can and WILL win at the highest level."

The 48-year-old joins the Bruins following a successful tenure as head coach at James Madison that started in 2024. Compiling a 21-5 record over the past two seasons, Chesney led the Dukes to their first bowl championship by winning the 2024 Boca Raton Bowl.

He also coached Holy Cross for six campaigns from 2018 to 2023, leading the Crusaders to five consecutive Patriot League titles.

Chesney replaces DeShaun Foster, who UCLA fired after a 0-3 start to the 2025 season. The Bruins finished the campaign with a 3-9 record under interim coach Tim Skipper. The program hasn't been bowl eligible since Chip Kelly guided it to an 8-5 mark in 2023.