The 2025 head coaching carousel was one of the more active in recent memory. It was highlighted by the fact that several 2025 College Football Playoff head coaches will be with new teams at the start of the 2026 season.
Lane Kiffin was hired by LSU from Ole Miss, and the Rebels are not allowing him to coach during their playoff run. Florida hired Jon Sumrall, and he will be leaving Tulane after the CFP. Unlike Kiffin, he is allowed to coach his former team through their postseason run before leaving.
James Madison head coach Bob Chesney was hired to become the new head coach of the UCLA Bruins. Here is more on whether Chesney is coaching James Madison through the 2025 College Football Playoff.
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Is Bob Chesney coaching James Madison in playoffs?
Yes. UCLA and James Madison agreed that Chesney will be able to coach the Dukes through the 2025 CFP ahead of his move to the Bruins. The No. 12 Dukes will travel across the country to face the No. 5 Oregon Ducks in the first round of the playoff.
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Bob Chesney contract with UCLA
Chesney's deal with UCLA is a five-year deal worth $33.75 million. If he lasts the length of the contract, or longer, he will be at least the third-longest tenured UCLA head football coach since 2007. Chip Kelly was the head coach for six seasons from 2018 to 2023, while Jim Mora Jr. Was at the helm for six seasons from 2012-2017.
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When did UCLA hire Bob Chesney?
UCLA announced Bob Chesney as its new head coach on Dec. 6, 2025. His introductory press conference was held a few days later on Dec. 9.
A new era of UCLA Football begins. Welcome to Westwood, Head Coach Bob Chesney!
— UCLA Football (@UCLAFootball) December 6, 2025
🗞️: https://t.co/K9MggOFOny#GoBruins pic.twitter.com/lG3k2BWFZU