UCLA's Bob Chesney Enters Coach of the Year Race After 4-0 Start and Oregon Test

Key points

• Urban Meyer called Chesney a 'Coach of the Year candidate' on The Triple Option, praising his ability to resurrect a struggling program.
• Chesney is 136-52 as a head coach, having previously led James Madison to a 12-2 season and a College Football Playoff appearance.
• UCLA is on pace to become the first team to start 5-0 in 77 years, with Chesney’s father, Bob Sr., serving as an unofficial assistant and morale booster.
• The team’s success is attributed to a unique offensive line rotation strategy and the development of players like RB Wayne Knight and QB Nico Iamaleava.
• CBS analyst Charles Davis noted that while the Indiana/Cignetti comparison exists, Chesney’s 'ground-up' approach and tactical intelligence are distinct and highly effective.

Background

UCLA football had struggled significantly in recent years, going 8-16 under DeShaun Foster and 35-34 under Chip Kelly. Chesney was hired in December 2025 after Curt Cignetti left James Madison for Indiana. His previous stops included Salve Regina, Assumption, and Holy Cross, where he built a reputation for turning around losing programs through consistent, process-driven coaching.

How outlets are covering it

ESPN’s source was inaccessible, but On3 and CBS Sports emphasized Chesney’s rapid ascent and the cultural shift he brought to Westwood. On3 highlighted the 'Cignetti-type protege' comparison, while CBS Sports focused on the personal narrative of his father’s influence and the 'hibernation' metaphor for the program’s revival. The Los Angeles Daily News, citing CBS analyst Charles Davis, distinguished Chesney from Cignetti, arguing that Chesney’s methodical, 'redefining himself' approach is more relatable and sustainable than the overnight success of Indiana. All sources agree on the team’s current momentum but differ on whether the success is a fluke or a result of deep tactical innovation.

Why it matters

The success of Bob Chesney represents a significant turnaround for a major Big Ten program that had been in decline. His methods, particularly the rotating offensive line and player development, are being studied by other coaches as a model for building a winning culture from the ground up. The upcoming game against Oregon will serve as a critical benchmark for the team’s national standing.

What to watch

UCLA will face No. 13 Oregon at Autzen Stadium on Saturday. Oregon will start Nebraska transfer Dylan Raiola at quarterback after starter Dante Moore was ruled out with a head injury. A win would likely solidify Chesney’s status as a top Coach of the Year contender and potentially move UCLA higher in the AP Poll.