Report: UCLA to hire James Madison's Bob Chesney as coach

Field Level Media|published: 12/01/2025, 1:42pm EST

Sep 5, 2025; Louisville, Kentucky, USA; James Madison Dukes head coach Bob Chesney argues a call with an official during the first half against the Louisville Cardinals at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-Imagn Images

James Madison coach Bob Chesney will follow up his team's Sun Belt championship game against Troy by signing a five-year contract to become the head coach at UCLA, ESPN reported on Monday.

UCLA will allow Chesney to coach the Dukes in the College Football Playoff should they qualify, per the report. They host Troy in the conference title game on Friday night.

Chesney, 48, guided James Madison to an 11-1 record this season. He went 9-4 with the Dukes last season, including a victory in the Boca Raton Bowl.

Previously the head coach at Holy Cross, Chesney helped that team qualify for the FCS playoffs four times in six seasons.

The three-time Patriot League Coach of the Year compiled a 44-21 record with the Crusaders.

Chesney served as head coach at Division II Assumption (2013-17) and Division III Salve Regina (2010-12) before taking over at Holy Cross.

UCLA had been looking for a head coach since firing DeShaun Foster following an 0-3 start. The Bruins showed progress in October under interim coach Tim Skipper before dropping the final five games on their schedule to finish with a 3-9 record.

--Field Level Media