A New Era dawns for UCLA Football
UCLA has turned the page, opting for experience and a proven track record with the hiring of James Madison’s Curt Chesney as it’s new head football coach. The move represents a significant shift in strategy from the previous selection of DeShaun Foster, a decision that ultimately proved unsuccessful after a swift 5-10 record and subsequent firing. Chesney, 48, arrives in Westwood with a reputation for building winning programs and a clear vision for navigating the challenges of the evolving college football landscape.
The selection wasn’t simply about Xs and Os. Those involved in the search process – a committee including athletic director Martin Jarmond, sports executive Casey wasserman, and former Warriors GM bob Myers, among others – were clearly impressed by Chesney’s charisma and leadership qualities. It’s a quality chesney himself seems aware of, described as someone who visibly swells with pride and confidence after a success, eager to replicate that feeling. Now, that energy will be directed towards securing crucial donor support and attracting top recruits as UCLA prepares to compete in the demanding Big Ten conference.
Chesney’s success at James Madison speaks for itself. He’s built a team that excels on both sides of the ball, averaging 37.8 points per game (10th nationally) while allowing a stingy 16 points – also ranking in the national top ten. While his coaching roots are on the defensive side, stemming from his playing days as a second-team all-conference defensive back at Dickinson College (where he majored in religion) and his rise to defensive coordinator at Johns Hopkins, he’s demonstrably capable of fostering a balanced and effective team.
The hiring echoes a ancient pattern for UCLA. The program has frequently enough thrived when bringing in established head coaches from other institutions. Legends like Tommy Prothro (from Oregon State) and Red Sanders (from Vanderbilt) both found significant success after leaving their previous posts to lead the Bruins, culminating in a national championship under Sanders in 1954. The hope is that Chesney can similarly revitalize a program that hasn’t tasted Rose Bowl victory sence 1986, and hasn’t won a conference championship since 1999.
For a long-suffering UCLA fanbase, the arrival of Chesney offers a renewed sense of optimism. Recruits like offensive lineman Cooper Javorsky are already expressing excitement,reassured that scholarships will be honored and drawn to Chesney’s disciplined,physical,and team-oriented approach. The new coach’s intensity and proven ability to build a winning culture could also provide a much-needed buffer for Jarmond following the Foster experiment.
The stakes are high, and the transition won’t be without its challenges - notably for a coach who has spent his entire life on the East Coast. But with a proven track record and a clear vision, Curt Chesney is poised to lead UCLA football into a new and hopefully brighter era.