UCLA has officially hired Bob Chesney as its new head football coach, marking a significant shift for the program. The announcement came on Monday, confirming that Chesney will take over the Bruins’ struggling team once his current season with James Madison University concludes, either in the upcoming Sun Belt Championship game against Troy or if they qualify for the College Football Playoff.
Reports indicate that Chesney’s contract is a five-year deal, representing a fresh start for UCLA after a thorough and focused search that avoided the drama associated with other high-profile coaching changes. The search committee, which included notable figures such as Casey Wasserman and Bob Myers, opted for a rising star from the Group of Five, diverging from the trend of hiring from the NFL or promoting from within.
Chesney, a 48-year-old native of Kulpmont, Pennsylvania, brings an impressive track record of reviving underperforming programs. His successful tenure at James Madison, where he led the Dukes to an 11-1 record, garnered interest from other major programs, including Penn State and Virginia Tech. This hiring is seen as a potential remedy for a disillusioned fanbase that has faced years of mediocrity.
The Bruins finished this past season with a disappointing 3-9 record, culminating in a defeat to USC. Interim coach Tim Skipper took the reins after the firing of DeShaun Foster, who struggled in his first head coaching role. Chesney now steps into a program that has only seen two winning seasons in the last decade, with the hope of reversing its fortunes.
Chesney’s history of turning around teams is notable. At Salve Regina University, he transformed a program that had endured eight consecutive losing seasons into a contender. Similarly, at Assumption College, he led a team with a lackluster past to five consecutive winning seasons. At Holy Cross, he achieved five conference titles and multiple playoff appearances after years of underachievement.
As he prepares to lead UCLA, Chesney faces unique challenges, including navigating the complexities of the University of California’s politics and an uncertain stadium situation. The Bruins are considering moving from the Rose Bowl to SoFi Stadium, which could alter the team’s home-field advantage.
Chesney’s ability to inspire confidence is echoed by those who have worked with him. His former players and colleagues attest to his winning mentality and leadership skills.
“He’s the type of guy who can walk into a restaurant and have you convinced that their french fries are the best in the world,”
said Colin Hitschler, defensive coordinator at James Madison.
The UCLA community is cautiously optimistic as they await the results of this strategic hire. If Chesney can replicate his past successes in a high-pressure environment like Los Angeles, it could signify a new era for UCLA football. The upcoming seasons will reveal whether this hiring decision will lead to the revival that the Bruins desperately seek.
