UCLA's Chesney Embraces Unconventional Practice Philosophies

New Bruins head coach Bob Chesney aims to build a competitive, accountable culture through unique drills and a hands-on approach.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 3:11pm

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First-year UCLA football head coach Bob Chesney has implemented some unconventional practice philosophies and drills to build a competitive culture and prepare his team for any in-game situation. Chesney believes in having an impactful presence at every practice, even if it means being more selective about when he directly interacts with players versus letting position coaches take the lead. He also incorporates unique drills like the "TV Timeout" that challenge coaches and players to quickly adjust on the fly, all with the goal of making game days feel as familiar as a typical practice.

Why it matters

Chesney's unorthodox approach aims to create a program-wide culture of accountability, competition, and preparedness for the Bruins. In a sport where most coaches follow more traditional practice structures, Chesney's hands-on, high-intensity methods could give UCLA a unique edge if they translate to on-field success.

The details

Chesney prefers to have an active, influential presence at practices rather than taking a more detached, CEO-style approach. He believes that when he does interact with players, the quality of those moments is more important than the quantity. Chesney wants his players to see that his football knowledge extends beyond just one position group or side of the ball. The coach also incorporates unique drills like the "TV Timeout" that force players and coaches to quickly adjust and perform under pressure, mirroring the chaos of game situations.

  • UCLA introduced Bob Chesney as their new head football coach on January 31, 2026.
  • Chesney's first spring practice with the Bruins took place on April 7, 2026.

The players

Bob Chesney

The new head football coach at UCLA, known for his hands-on, high-intensity practice philosophies aimed at building a competitive, accountable culture.

Kwazi Gilmer

A UCLA wide receiver who played in the Bruins' game against USC on November 29, 2025.

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What they’re saying

“Their position coach gets to have a pretty deep relationship with them, spend a lot of time together. I am spread pretty thin amongst everybody, so I think it's important that when I show up [to particular drills or position groups], it's impactful moments. It's not necessarily the quantity of them; it's the quality of them.”

— Bob Chesney, UCLA Head Football Coach

“I want them to understand that my knowledge doesn't just ring on one side of the ball and just in one position group. I want to make sure that I can add value and back up that position coach when I show up there and make sure they feel unified and in alignment from the top down.”

— Bob Chesney, UCLA Head Football Coach

What’s next

The Bruins will continue their spring practice schedule leading up to the 2026 season, where Chesney's unconventional methods will be put to the test.

The takeaway

Chesney's hands-on, high-intensity approach to practice aims to build a culture of accountability and preparedness for the UCLA football program. While unconventional, his methods could give the Bruins a unique edge if they translate to on-field success in the upcoming season.