UCLA has announced the hiring of Bob Chesney as its new head football coach, marking a significant step in revitalizing a struggling program. This decision follows a thorough search process that diverged from the university’s recent hiring history, which typically favored candidates from the NFL or internal promotions. Instead, UCLA has chosen an emerging talent from the Group of Five conferences, reflecting a forward-thinking approach to leadership.
Chesney, currently leading an impressive 11-1 season at James Madison University, will officially take the reins of the Bruins after the conclusion of the Sun Belt Championship game against Troy on December 1, 2023. His reported five-year contract, as sourced by the Southern California News Group, emphasizes the commitment to long-term improvement for a team that has seen only two winning seasons in the past decade.
The search committee, which included notable figures such as Casey Wasserman and Bob Myers, opted for a fresh direction. This contrasts sharply with the recent turmoil surrounding the Southeastern Conference, notably the public pursuit of Lane Kiffin by Mississippi.
Chesney’s track record of turning around underperforming teams has garnered attention. The 48-year-old from Kulpmont, Pennsylvania has successfully led programs at various levels, including Salve Regina University, Assumption College, and Holy Cross. His previous achievements include transforming Salve Regina from eight consecutive losing seasons to three consecutive winning campaigns. Similarly, at Holy Cross, he guided the team to five conference titles and four appearances in the FCS playoffs.
UCLA fans, who have endured a disheartening 3-9 season capped by a loss to rival USC, are hopeful that Chesney can restore competitiveness to the program. His hiring is viewed as a much-needed morale booster for a fan base that has faced increasing frustration. Additionally, there is speculation about a potential shift in home stadiums from the Rose Bowl to SoFi Stadium, which could further impact the team’s identity and home-field advantage.
Chesney’s appointment follows the interim management of Tim Skipper, who stepped in after the dismissal of DeShaun Foster. The Bruins’ recent performance has raised concerns about the program’s direction, and many are looking to Chesney to implement a successful turnaround strategy.
In his own words, Chesney has expressed a philosophy of leaving programs better than he found them. “We’ve always been a little behind every place I’ve been. We usually leave ahead,” he told The Athletic. This statement resonates with a UCLA team desperately seeking to reverse its fortunes.
While Chesney’s previous successes occurred on the East Coast, he now faces the challenge of navigating the complexities of the Big Ten Conference and the unique dynamics of the University of California system. The pressure to perform will be significant, and fans and analysts alike will be keenly observing his progress in the coming seasons.
As the Bruins prepare for a new chapter under Chesney’s leadership, there remains cautious optimism. His ability to instill a winning culture and elevate the team’s performance will be paramount in determining whether this hiring will yield the desired results.
UCLA’s football program is at a crossroads, and the hiring of Bob Chesney could well be the spark needed to ignite a much-anticipated revival.
