UCLA made one of the most intriguing hires of the offseason, officially bringing in James Madison head coach Bob Chesney to take over the Bruins’ football program. After weeks of smoke around his name, Chesney informed his players earlier today that he’s heading west, stepping into a program that desperately wants to climb back into national contention.
Chesney arrives with a resume that’s impossible to overlook. In just two seasons at James Madison, he posted a 20–5 record. In 2025, James Madison put up 37.2 points per game on offense (9th nationally), and touted a ferocious defense allowing just 16.5 points per game (10th nationally). The Dukes didn’t just win, they dominated both sides of the ball.
Now the big question becomes: Can Chesney replicate that magic in the spotlight-heavy environment of Los Angeles? James Madison is a rising program, but UCLA is a brand, a massive recruiting territory, intense expectations, and a fan base hungry for relevance in the Big Ten era.
Chesney has thrived in every opportunity given to him. But this is a different stage entirely. With better athletes, deeper resources, and national attention on every snap, UCLA is betting that his disciplined, balanced approach can elevate the Bruins into playoff conversations.
If Chesney’s James Madison dominance is any indication, UCLA may have found the leader capable of rewriting the program’s future.
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