What's Happening?
James Madison University’s football coach, Bob Chesney, is being considered for the head coaching position at UCLA, with potential interest from Penn State as well. Chesney has led the James Madison Dukes
to a No. 21 ranking in the AP Top 25 and a berth in the Sun Belt Championship. His success at James Madison, where he has an 18-5 record in the FBS, has made him a leading candidate for the UCLA vacancy. Chesney, originally from Pennsylvania, has a history of coaching success, including multiple Patriot League Coach of the Year awards during his tenure at Holy Cross. His current salary at James Madison is $833,495, the highest for a coach in the program since joining the FBS in 2022.
Why It's Important?
Chesney's potential move to UCLA or Penn State could significantly impact the college football landscape. For UCLA, securing Chesney could revitalize their program, which has struggled in recent seasons. His track record of success could attract top recruits and improve team performance. For James Madison, losing Chesney would mean finding a new leader capable of maintaining their recent success. The coaching carousel also highlights the competitive nature of college football, where successful coaches are often pursued by larger programs with more resources. This situation underscores the challenges smaller programs face in retaining top talent.
What's Next?
If Chesney decides to accept a position at UCLA or Penn State, James Madison will need to begin a search for a new head coach. Meanwhile, UCLA and Penn State will continue to evaluate their options, potentially considering other candidates if Chesney declines. The decisions made in the coming weeks could have long-term implications for all programs involved, affecting recruiting, team performance, and conference standings.
