Bob Chesney isn’t sounding like a coach with one foot out the door.
As UCLA’s first season under Chesney keeps gathering momentum, the Bruins have climbed to No. 7 in the country and reached 7-0 for the first time since 2005. That kind of start is going to make noise everywhere, and it has also sparked some nerves among UCLA fans who know how quickly a hot coaching name can draw attention from bigger programs.
Chesney was asked Tuesday what he would tell those worried supporters, and his answer was direct: "UCLA is the greatest place in the world to coach football."
He expanded on that thought by emphasizing how much he and his family have embraced the move to Westwood. "I've said it before, this is the greatest place in the world to play football.
I think it's the greatest place in the world to coach football. I'm extremely blessed to be here.
My family loves it here, I love it here. I mean it's November almost and look at us out here.
I truly love it. Again, the vision that I have for this place as an outsider looking in, is all things that is being met by the same energy, the plan of moving forward, an idea of chasing greatness and not being afraid to consider this big time college football and to start building the program that way.
Very excited about our future and how things roll."
Chesney arrived from JMU last December and signed a five-year contract covering 2026 through 2030. The deal is worth $33.75 million, or $6.75 million annually, and it’s fair to say he’s already outperforming expectations in Year 1.
A reworked contract could be on the table down the road if this run continues, and the possibility of a raise is there if UCLA keeps stacking wins. What matters for now is that Chesney says he’s happy where he is, and the results are backing him up.
In Other News...
Brian Rowe Jr. Is Giving UCLA's Offense A Needed Lift
Brian Rowe Jr. has quickly become one of the more important pieces in UCLAs passing game, and his impact was on display again in the Bruins 28-10 win over Michigan State. The sophomore wide receiver, a transfer from South Carolina, has given UCLA a much-needed lift on offense this season, and his big-play ability has helped the Bruins create some separation in games where every explosive moment matters.
Against the Spartans, Rowe Jr. added another reminder of why he has become such a valuable target, and UCLA will keep leaning on that kind of production as it turns to Nevada. In the background of that preparation, coaches Dean Kennedy and Colin Hitschler were also talking about player development and how the Bruins are sharpening their defensive approach, but the offenses ability to keep finding answers has been just as important to the teams momentum. [Read more 🡒]
UCLAs Rotation Battle Just Got More Interesting Before Opening Night
UCLAs exhibition win over San Diego offered another look at a rotation that still feels very much up for grabs, and a few players made their case in a convincing 82-50 result. Trent Perry stood out with 17 points and 7 assists, giving the Bruins a steadier lead guard presence after a quieter first exhibition, while Joe Jovic added 16 points and 6 rebounds in a showing that fit neatly into the teams growing depth chart. Joe Philon also chipped in across the board with 11 points, 8 rebounds, 2 blocks and 3 steals.
For a team trying to sort out roles before opening night, those kinds of nights matter just as much as the final score. The Bruins got enough from Perry, Jovic and Philon to keep the offense moving and the defense active, but the larger question is how that production translates once the games count and the coaching staff has to narrow the rotation for real. [Read more 🡒]
UCLAs Playoff Dream Could Bring A Huge Rose Bowl Opportunity
A strong finish has UCLA in line for something the program has not had in a long time, a chance to turn the postseason into a home-field advantage. Sitting at No. 7 in the AP Poll, the Bruins are positioned in the thick of the College Football Playoff picture, with the path still dependent on how they close the regular season and what happens in the Big Ten Championship game.
If the Bruins hold their place in the right range, the payoff could be significant. A first-round home game would already be a major development, but the Rose Bowl also sits in the quarterfinal rotation, which opens the door to UCLA playing postseason games in Pasadena for the first time since 1999. [Read more 🡒]