Overview
- Chesney was unveiled Tuesday in Los Angeles as UCLA’s 20th head football coach, addressing reporters with a pledge to move fast on program building.
- He will return to Virginia to coach No. 12 James Madison against No. 5 Oregon on Dec. 20, a plan athletic director Martin Jarmond publicly supports.
- Chesney’s deal is five years for $33.75 million, according to UCLA’s introduction and local reporting from the event.
- The 48-year-old emphasized making UCLA “the” school in Los Angeles, outlining immediate priorities that include assembling a staff, strengthening West Coast recruiting ties, and opening access for high school coaches.
- UCLA highlighted his 132–51 career record and reputation for rebuilding, with a search committee that included alumnus Bob Myers endorsing his ability to construct a sustainable winner after the Bruins’ 3–9 season.