UPDATE: UCLA has officially hired Bob Chesney as its new head football coach, just **13 hours** after he led James Madison to victory in the Sun Belt Conference championship. This announcement marks a pivotal moment for the Bruins, who are eager to reshape their struggling program following a disappointing **3-9** season.
Chesney, **48**, is set to be introduced on campus on **Tuesday**, and speculation is rampant about which members of his successful James Madison coaching staff will join him in Los Angeles. With **eight assistant coaches** at James Madison having long-standing connections to Chesney, fans are eager to see if any will make the cross-country move from Harrisonburg, Virginia.
Key figures like offensive coordinator **Dean Kennedy** and defensive coordinator **Colin Hitschler** bring valuable experience from the Power Five conferences. Kennedy has previously worked in the **Southeastern Conference**, and Hitschler was co-defensive coordinator at **Alabama** in 2024. Their combined expertise could provide a much-needed boost to the Bruins, who struggled on both sides of the ball last season.
“Chesney has a proven track record, winning everywhere he goes,” an official source from UCLA stated. “His hiring brings hope for a quick turnaround.”
In just two seasons at James Madison, Chesney compiled a **21-5** record, including an impressive **12-1** in 2025, showcasing his ability to lead teams to success. He is the first sitting head coach hired by UCLA since **1971**, emphasizing the significance of this decision for the program.
UCLA will allow Chesney to continue coaching James Madison in the upcoming **College Football Playoff**, should they secure one of the **12** playoff spots on **Sunday**. This arrangement reflects the university’s commitment to a smooth transition while keeping competitive momentum intact.
As Chesney prepares for his inaugural season opener against **California** on **September 5** at Memorial Stadium, he faces the daunting task of rebuilding a roster that lacks standout talent. No Bruins players earned first-, second-, or third-team All-Big Ten selections this past season, highlighting the urgent need for new talent and strategic recruitment.
Chesney’s successful history suggests he may look to retain some existing UCLA assistants, as he did when he arrived at James Madison. He previously kept two incumbent staff members, indicating a potential for continuity amidst change.
With the transfer portal set to open on **January 2**, the Bruins are poised for a flurry of activity. Several current players, including gifted wide receiver **Rico Flores Jr.**, have entered the portal, signaling a potential reshuffling of the roster that could significantly impact the team’s future.
Chesney inherits a challenging yet promising situation, with the opportunity to attract former James Madison players who excelled under his guidance. The Dukes celebrated a record **20 All-Sun Belt Conference selections** this season, including standout quarterback **Alonza Barnett III** and rising defensive star **Sahir West**.
UCLA fans are anxious to see how Chesney will leverage his previous relationships to build a competitive squad. Key players such as quarterback **Nico Iamaleava** and wide receiver **Kwazi Gilmer** remain crucial to the Bruins’ future success, and keeping them will be a high priority for the new coach.
As the countdown to the transfer portal opens, eyes will be on the Bruins and their new coach. With critical decisions looming, the urgency for change has never been greater. Fans are eagerly awaiting updates on recruitment and staff appointments as UCLA aims to return to prominence in college football.