LOS ANGELES – Bob Chesney, the newly appointed head coach of UCLA football, has quickly embraced the California lifestyle, despite spending most of his life in the Northeast. His fondness for In-N-Out burgers, particularly a double-double with no onions or tomatoes, is just one of the ways he has adapted to his new surroundings. "We’re in California," Chesney told USA TODAY Sports. "In-N-Out, clearly one, in my opinion."
There is a palpable sense of excitement surrounding UCLA football, a program that has struggled in recent years. With Chesney at the helm, fans are hopeful that he can breathe new life into the Bruins. His track record of success at various levels of college football has sparked optimism that he is the right person to restore the program’s former glory.
Chesney's rise to prominence began at Assumption College in Worcester, Massachusetts, where he was hired by athletic director Nick Smith in 2013. At the time, Assumption's football program had only two winning seasons in the previous 17 years. Smith was drawn to Chesney after hearing about his impressive coaching abilities at Division III Salve Regina in Rhode Island. "It took about five minutes for me to know that was who I was going to hire," Smith recalled, noting Chesney's ability to instill belief in his players.
Under Chesney's leadership, Assumption enjoyed five consecutive winning seasons, a first in the program's history, culminating in a NCAA tournament quarterfinal appearance in 2017. Following his success there, he moved to Holy Cross, where he continued to build on his winning formula, leading the Crusaders to four straight FCS playoff appearances, including a remarkable 12-1 season in 2022.
Chesney's success did not go unnoticed, and he made the leap to the FBS level with James Madison in 2024, guiding the Dukes to a 9-4 record and their first College Football Playoff appearance the following year. Smith, who had also transitioned to James Madison's athletic department, expressed confidence in Chesney's abilities, stating, "Every piece of me was confident that he would be where he is today."
Chesney's perspective on UCLA differs from the national narrative that often depicts the program as a relic of the past. Historically, UCLA has struggled to prioritize football amidst a culture that emphasizes academics and other sports. However, Chesney has noted the enthusiasm and willingness to win among the Bruins' administration, aided by connections with influential alumni, including Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts.
As he began his tenure, Chesney focused on assembling a competitive roster. Players from his previous team at James Madison were eager to join him in Los Angeles, drawn by his leadership style. Defensive lineman Sahir West remarked, "You want to play for him, you want to run through a wall for him." Meanwhile, quarterback Nico Iamaleava expressed a desire to remain at UCLA, stating that Chesney is someone he wanted to be around.
Chesney's approach has fostered a sense of camaraderie among both new and returning players, emphasizing a winning mentality. Running back Jaivian Thomas noted that Chesney's confidence in their ability to win was evident from the start: "When he first came in, he was saying that we’re going to win. There’s no debate about it."
Off the field, Chesney has actively engaged with the UCLA community, attending events and supporting other Bruins sports, which has helped rekindle interest in the football program. His relentless energy and commitment to building relationships have made a significant impact, as Smith noted, "His gas tank never runs empty, ever. He has such charisma, such energy, and he is fueled by relationships."
While the excitement surrounding Chesney's arrival is palpable, the question remains: can he truly turn UCLA football into a contender? The Bruins' schedule offers opportunities for success, but Chesney is focused on establishing a winning culture first. He acknowledged that while building interest in the program is crucial, winning games will ultimately draw fans back to the Rose Bowl, where attendance has dwindled in recent years.
Chesney's vision for UCLA football is ambitious, aiming to elevate the program to new heights and restore its reputation. He believes that with the right approach, UCLA can become a dominant force in college athletics. "We’re one good football team away from being the most dominant athletic department in the country," he stated. "If we get this football thing right, the sky’s the limit."
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