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UCLA hires Bob Chesney while he stays with James Madison for playoffs

Dec 1, 2025, 1:00 AM30
(Update: Dec 1, 2025, 5:06 PM)
player of American football
American college football season
public university in Los Angeles, California, USA

UCLA hires Bob Chesney while he stays with James Madison for playoffs

  • UCLA fires DeShaun Foster after a disappointing start to the season.
  • Bob Chesney is hired as head coach while continuing with James Madison.
  • The move marks UCLA's effort to revitalize its struggling football program.
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In a significant development within college football, UCLA is set to hire Bob Chesney, the head coach of James Madison University, as their next head coach. This decision follows UCLA’s recent struggles, leading to the firing of DeShaun Foster after the team started the season with an 0-3 record. Bob Chesney, who has led James Madison to an impressive 20-5 record over the past two seasons, is currently guiding the Dukes who hold an 11-1 record entering the Sun Belt Championship game against Troy. Chesney's tenure at JMU began after Curt Cignetti's departure to Indiana University, where Cignetti has reportedly made significant progress with the Indiana Hoosiers. Chesney's coaching ability has drawn attention as he has amassed a notable overall record of 129-51 over his collegiate coaching career, showcasing his success at Division II and III schools before shining at James Madison. This move by UCLA seems to be part of a larger strategy to revitalize the football program amid disappointing seasons and recent coaching changes. The Bruins had a brief resurgence under interim coach Tim Skipper after Foster's dismissal, securing three victories, including a stunning upset against then-No. 7 Penn State. Still, the overall performance of UCLA football remains concerning as they have consistently performed below expectations over the past decade. While there is optimism regarding Chesney’s hiring, he is expected to stay with James Madison through their playoff run, and this decision reflects UCLA's intent to set a new trajectory for the program going forward. The Bruins have been undergoing a tumultuous coaching search, in search of someone who can attract talent and restore the program's glory, especially in a competitive recruiting landscape.

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