UCLA's Bob Chesney Brings Competitive Edge to Bruins

New head coach implements unorthodox practice methods to build winning culture

Apr. 7, 2026 at 8:24pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting the chaotic energy of a UCLA football practice, with players, coaches, and equipment broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in a vibrant color palette.Chesney's unorthodox coaching methods aim to build a winning culture through intense, detail-oriented training that pushes the Bruins to their limits.Los Angeles Today

In his first spring practices with UCLA, new head football coach Bob Chesney has already made an impression with his hands-on, competitive approach. Chesney structures practices to mimic game conditions, inserting himself into drills, creating constant competition, and testing every aspect of the team's execution to build a winning culture.

Why it matters

Chesney's untraditional coaching style represents a significant shift from previous UCLA regimes, as he aims to elevate the Bruins program through an intense, detail-oriented training process. His methods have drawn praise from players and could help UCLA rebound from a disappointing 2025 season.

The details

Chesney, who came to UCLA after a successful stint at James Madison University, has implemented several unique practice techniques, including 'TV timeouts' to disrupt the flow, positional drills where he applies pressure, and competition-based activities like a punt return drill where teammates distracted the returner. In Tuesday's practice, Chesney's defense stood out, with cornerback Dante Lovett and defensive back Cole Martin making plays, while transfers Semaj Morgan and Brian Rowe Jr. also impressed on offense.

  • UCLA held its third spring practice on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
  • Chesney joined the Bruins as head coach prior to the 2026 season.

The players

Bob Chesney

The new head football coach at UCLA, known for his hands-on, competitive coaching style that he developed during successful tenures at James Madison University.

Nico Iamaleava

The starting quarterback for the UCLA Bruins, who faced pressure from the defense during Tuesday's practice.

Dante Lovett

A cornerback for the UCLA Bruins who made a play in coverage during the practice session.

Cole Martin

A defensive back for the UCLA Bruins who provided feedback to quarterback Nico Iamaleava after an incompletion.

Semaj Morgan

A transfer wide receiver from Michigan who impressed the new UCLA coaching staff during Tuesday's practice.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Kids can listen to coaches talk all they want, and we tell them who we are, but it's what we do, right? Does what we do actually match who we say we are?”

— Bob Chesney, Head Coach, UCLA

“That (expletive) ain't going to be open, Nico.”

— Cole Martin, Defensive Back, UCLA

What’s next

UCLA will continue spring practices over the next several weeks as Chesney works to implement his competitive coaching style and build momentum heading into the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Chesney's unorthodox approach to practice represents a significant shift in UCLA's football culture, as the new head coach aims to elevate the program through intense, detail-oriented training that pushes players to their limits. If successful, his methods could help the Bruins rebound from a disappointing 2025 season and return to national prominence.