UCLA's Iamaleava Impressed by New Coach Chesney's Winning Mentality

Quarterback Nico Iamaleava believes Bob Chesney's proven track record can help turn around the Bruins' program.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 3:25pm

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An abstract, fragmented painting depicting a football game or match, with the players and field represented through sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes of color, conveying the dynamic energy of the sport.A cubist interpretation of the renewed energy and promise surrounding UCLA's football program under new head coach Bob Chesney.Los Angeles Today

UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava is excited about the arrival of new head coach Bob Chesney, who previously found success at James Madison University. Iamaleava praised Chesney's winning mentality and energy, saying the coach has made a strong early impression on the team.

Why it matters

After two disappointing seasons since joining the Big Ten, UCLA is hoping Chesney's proven coaching ability can help get the Bruins' program back on track. Iamaleava's positive comments about his new head coach suggest the team is buying into Chesney's vision.

The details

Iamaleava struggled last season under former head coach DeShaun Foster, who was fired after an 0-3 start. The quarterback threw for 1,928 yards with 13 touchdowns and 7 interceptions in his first year with the Bruins. With Chesney now leading the team, Iamaleava believes the Bruins' offense is poised for a serious improvement in 2026.

  • Chesney was hired as UCLA's new head coach in January 2026.
  • Iamaleava made his comments about Chesney during spring practice in 2026.

The players

Nico Iamaleava

The UCLA quarterback who struggled in his first season with the Bruins but is excited about the arrival of new head coach Bob Chesney.

Bob Chesney

The new head coach of the UCLA Bruins, who previously found success at James Madison University, winning the Sun Belt title in 2025 and making an appearance in the College Football Playoff.

DeShaun Foster

The former UCLA head coach who was fired midway through the 2025 season after an 0-3 start.

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What they’re saying

“Coach Chesney is a winner, man. Everywhere he's been he's been a winner. So, I think just that that winning mentality he brings to the table makes guys buy in and want to play for a coach like that.”

— Nico Iamaleava, UCLA Quarterback

“I thought just his energy, man. He's a great human being. High energy, very charismatic, where I didn't really sense any fakeness from him. It's been great just continuing to grow our relationship.”

— Nico Iamaleava, UCLA Quarterback

What’s next

As spring practice continues, Iamaleava and the Bruins will look to further develop their rapport with Chesney and implement his system ahead of the 2026 season. UCLA will be hoping Chesney's proven coaching ability can help the team bounce back after two disappointing years in the Big Ten.

The takeaway

Iamaleava's positive comments about Chesney suggest the new UCLA head coach is making an early impression on his team and players are buying into his winning mentality. If Chesney can translate his previous success to the Pac-12, the Bruins could be in line for a significant turnaround in 2026.