Overview
- Chesney was introduced as UCLA’s 20th head coach on a five‑year, $33.75 million contract after the Bruins finished 3-9 this season.
- UCLA confirmed Chesney will coach James Madison in its College Football Playoff opener against Oregon on Dec. 20 before fully shifting to Westwood.
- JMU offensive coordinator Dean Kennedy is expected to join UCLA as offensive coordinator, according to multiple reports citing CBS Sports.
- Search committee members said UCLA will fund football at a level in the Big Ten’s top third, possibly top quartile, including a larger staff salary pool and NIL support.
- Chesney, who has not previously coached on the West Coast, emphasized immediate priorities of staffing, roster retention and building local recruiting ties.