UCLA's New Coach Praises QB Iamaleava's Leadership

Bob Chesney impressed by Nico Iamaleava's ability to command a room and hold teammates accountable.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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New UCLA head coach Bob Chesney has praised quarterback Nico Iamaleava for his impressive leadership abilities, saying the young QB has "moved to the front of the line" and can "command a room and hold people accountable" - traits Chesney believes are crucial for great quarterbacks and leaders.

Why it matters

As Chesney looks to rebuild UCLA's football program, which has struggled to reach 10 wins since 2014 despite its West Coast talent advantages, Iamaleava's strong leadership skills could be a key asset in helping the Bruins return to sustained success.

The details

Chesney, who previously coached at James Madison, said he was initially in a "feeling-out stage" to determine who he could trust on the UCLA roster. But he's now "extremely impressed" with Iamaleava's ability to lead, which Chesney sees as a crucial quality for a starting quarterback. Chesney is looking forward to seeing what Iamaleava can do when spring practices begin.

  • Chesney was recently hired as the new UCLA head coach.

The players

Bob Chesney

The new head coach of the UCLA football team, who previously coached at James Madison.

Nico Iamaleava

The starting quarterback for the UCLA Bruins football team.

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What they’re saying

“What's impressed me in my short period of time here is that at the beginning, it was a feeling-out stage of exactly who can I trust. I've watched him move to the front of the line now and just command a room and hold people accountable. Things that all great quarterbacks and leaders do.”

— Bob Chesney, UCLA Head Coach (yahoo.com)

“I'm extremely, extremely impressed with him as a young man. I'm just really looking forward to what he's going to do when we finally get to spring ball, and he has a chance to let it rip.”

— Bob Chesney, UCLA Head Coach (yahoo.com)

What’s next

Chesney and Iamaleava will have the opportunity to lay the groundwork for a UCLA football program rebuild during spring practices.

The takeaway

Iamaleava's strong leadership abilities, as recognized by new head coach Bob Chesney, could be a crucial asset as UCLA looks to return to sustained success on the football field after years of underperformance.