“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 alumni are ready. The fanbase is ready. And I am ready. I look forward to working together as we bring this program to the standard of excellence it deserves.”
LOS ANGELES – Signaling a new era for UCLA Football, Martin Jarmond, UCLA’s Alice and Nahum Lainer Family Director of Athletics, announced today the hiring of James Madison’s Bob Chesney as the next head coach of the Bruins. Chesney becomes the 20th head coach in UCLA Football history and the first sitting head coach hired by UCLA since Pepper Rodgers in 1971.
“Bob Chesney has built programs into consistent winners at every stop in his career, and he’s ready to do it at UCLA,” said Jarmond. “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. From his detail-oriented approach to running a program, to his ability to connect, Bob impressed our search committee every step of the way. He’s a leader, a consensus builder and a developer of young men, and I’m thrilled to welcome him and his family to Westwood.”
Chesney will be officially introduced at a press conference on campus Tuesday, Dec. 9.
“I am pleased to welcome Coach Bob Chesney to UCLA to lead and develop our football program both on the field and in the classroom,” said UCLA Chancellor Julio Frenk. "Coach Chesney has a proven track record of building champions and winning programs, and his philosophy of developing student-athletes in all aspects of their growth aligns closely with our Bruin values. I commend Martin Jarmond for leading this search committee process and am thankful to the members of the committee for identifying someone who is an excellent fit for the Bruins. We all look forward to beginning this bold, new chapter for UCLA Football.”
Chesney brings to UCLA more than 25 years of collegiate coaching experience, including 16 seasons as a head coach. He has won eight conference championships and holds a career coaching record of 132-51 (.721). He has produced 13 All-Americans (2 FBS, 11 FCS) and two Academic All-Americans.
“From his detail-oriented approach to running a program, to his ability to connect, Bob impressed our search committee every step of the way. He’s a leader, a consensus builder and a developer of young men, and I’m thrilled to welcome him and his family to Westwood.”
“Coach Chesney has a proven track record of building champions and winning programs, and his philosophy of developing student-athletes in all aspects of their growth aligns closely with our Bruin values.”
“Amidst a crowded field of elite talent, Bob Chesney stood out as the clear choice. His track record of building championship cultures is undeniable, and his vision for excellence makes him the perfect fit to lead us into this new era.”
Champion of Westwood powers UCLA’s NIL efforts, helping student-athletes build their personal brands and maximize opportunities in the evolving landscape of collegiate athletics.
The Wooden Athletic Fund provides critical resources to support all UCLA student-athletes, ensuring they have the academic, athletic, and wellness support needed to succeed.
