Sports · American Football · 33 mins ago
UCLA works to extend coach Bob Chesney's contract after 9-0 start
UCLA is discussing a new contract with coach Bob Chesney after the Bruins began his first season 9-0.
The school has been in talks with Chesney for at least a month as it seeks to keep him from leaving after one season.
Chesney has quickly put UCLA in national title contention, and his success has made him a sought-after coach.
He has won conference titles at every stop in his coaching career, from lower college divisions to James Madison.
UCLA's athletic department faces a significant deficit, and the school's chancellor has said its current financial path is not sustainable.
Chesney has also said he believes his team can reach the College Football Playoff whether it has 12 or 24 teams.
The Bruins remain unbeaten despite losing starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava to a season-ending injury, with Ty Dieffenbach taking over; the contract talks are ongoing.
UCLA is working to extend coach Bob Chesney’s contract after the Bruins opened the season 9-0.
The university has been in talks with Chesney for at least a month, according to sources cited by CBS Sports.
Chesney is in his first year at UCLA and has led the team into Big Ten and national championship contention.
The Bruins’ run has come despite a season-ending injury to starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava in Week 6.
UCLA’s athletic department faces a significant financial deficit and declining donor contributions, CBS Sports reported.
- Who
- UCLA and head football coach Bob Chesney.
- What
- UCLA is working to sign Chesney to a new contract.
- When
- The talks have been underway for at least a month as of November 12, 2026.
- Where
- UCLA, in Los Angeles.
- Why
- UCLA wants to keep Chesney after the Bruins’ 9-0 start. CBS Sports said the school is working to ensure he is not a one-season coach.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
UCLA began discussions with Chesney about a new deal, according to sources cited by CBS Sports.
Starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava suffered a season-ending injury in a win at Oregon.
Fox Sports published an interview with Chesney about the College Football Playoff.
CBS Sports reported that UCLA was working to extend Chesney’s contract as the Bruins stood at 9-0.
- UCLA record
- 9-0
- Coach
- Bob Chesney
- Talks
- Underway for at least a month as of Nov. 12, 2026
- Quarterback injury
- Nico Iamaleava, Week 6
- Starting quarterback replacement
- Ty Dieffenbach
2 sources
What people are saying
I don't care what the number is.
We made it at JMU. So we're gonna figure out a way to get into the playoff, regardless of what number you put it at.
UCLA Athletics currently carries a significant financial deficit, and its current path is not sustainable.