Bob Chesney remains in year one with the UCLA Bruins but the first-year coach has made an impression that has been heard around the entire country. So much so that Chesney was asked about potentially jumping ship for a bigger football program during Tuesday’s media availability.
Unsurprisingly, Chesney shot down any chances of the head coach jumping ship to join a bigger program. Chesney has already done a lot of work to help build up the UCLA program, turning the Bruins from a 3-9 team in 2025 to the No. 7 team in the country.
Even with the success, UCLA still is not packing the Rose Bowl, something that’s basically a formality in the SEC. While the Rose Bowl hasn’t been sold out this season, Chesney envisions himself in Westwood for the long
haul.
“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 think I’m extremely blessed to be here,” Chesney said Tuesday. “My family loves it here. I love it here. I mean it’s November almost and look at us out here.”
The California weather is a treat but will it be enough to keep Chesney if he struggles to get the support that a national championship program requires? UCLA has done all they can to show Chesney that they’re dedicated to building the program and Chesney has reciprocated that by voicing his faith in his new school.
“The vision that I have for this place, as an outsider looking in, is all things being met with that same energy,” Chesney said. “An idea of chasing greatness and not being afraid to consider this big-time college football and to start building the program that way.”
To play devil’s advocate, that is what Chesney has to say. It’d be unfathomable to deliver any other message in the middle of an undefeated season. If he had thoughts of an exit, showing his hand in October wouldn't help his case. Chesney has turned around the program in less than 12 months and next we’ll see if he can turn the Bruins into a college football powerhouse.
This article originally appeared on UCLA Wire: Sorry SEC: Bob Chesney has no plans of leaving UCLA football
