UCLA Set to Hire James Madison’s Bob Chesney as Head Coach

Following the midseason dismissal of DeShaun Foster, Tim Skipper served as interim head coach for UCLA, guiding the program through the remainder of the 2025 season. With the search for a permanent replacement underway, the Bruins have zeroed in on a highly regarded candidate.

James Madison head coach Bob Chesney has emerged as UCLA’s top target, and reports indicate that the deal to hire him is expected to be finalized soon. ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported that Chesney is set to sign a five-year contract once the Dukes complete their Sun Belt championship game against Troy.

Due to the timing of the championship and potential playoff appearance for James Madison, UCLA has granted Chesney permission to coach his current team through the College Football Playoff if the Dukes qualify. This ensures continuity for JMU while allowing UCLA to secure its desired head coach.

Chesney has led James Madison to an 11-1 record this season, demonstrating his ability to build and sustain a winning program. His success and leadership have made him the clear choice for UCLA as the Bruins seek to rebuild after a challenging 2025 campaign.

1. Chesney’s Success at James Madison

Bob Chesney has transformed James Madison into a perennial contender, compiling an 11-1 record in the 2025 season with a chance to add more wins depending on the Sun Belt championship outcome. Chesney’s teams have been disciplined, well-coached, and competitive, which has drawn attention from larger programs seeking stability and immediate improvement. His experience in both recruiting and program management makes him an attractive candidate for UCLA. The success at JMU has not gone unnoticed, as industry sources, including agents, coaches, and administrators, have repeatedly pointed to Chesney as a top coaching talent capable of leading a Power Five program. Chesney’s ability to guide his team to championships while developing players for the next level highlights the qualities UCLA is seeking in its next head coach.

2. UCLA’s Coaching Search

UCLA’s coaching search has been one of the most prolonged in-season quests in recent memory, lasting nearly 10 weeks as the program evaluated multiple candidates. Sources from FootballScoop confirm that Chesney has consistently been the Bruins’ top choice throughout the process, with discussions intensifying following the end of the regular season. The Bruins’ approach underscores the importance of finding a candidate who can rebuild a struggling program and instill a winning culture after a 3-9 season. Leadership, program vision, and recruiting prowess were all top priorities for UCLA administrators. By targeting Chesney, UCLA is signaling a commitment to stability and long-term growth, prioritizing a coach with a proven record over a quick, interim solution.

3. Looking Ahead for UCLA Football

The hiring of Chesney marks the first major step in UCLA’s effort to revitalize its football program, aiming to compete in the Pac-12 and nationally in the coming years. Chesney’s experience in program building and player development provides a blueprint for success, with hopes that his leadership can quickly improve UCLA’s record and culture. With a five-year deal in place, the program is establishing stability, signaling to recruits, staff, and fans that the Bruins are committed to a sustained turnaround. The move also allows for a seamless transition from Skipper’s interim leadership to Chesney’s full-time role, ensuring continuity in recruiting and offseason preparation as UCLA looks to return to prominence.