UCLA Football Bolsters Coaching Staff With Eight New Hires

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UCLA Football Bolsters Coaching Staff With Eight New Hires

UCLA Bruins head football coach Bob Chesney is introduced during the basketball game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom Financial.

After a season full of adversity in 2025, the Bruins are entering the 2026 season with a revamped coaching staff. UCLA football announced the hiring of eight more new members to its coaching staff on Wednesday.

The eight new members include three assistant position coaches, three defensive analysts and two offensive analysts.

“We were very intentional in assembling this first-year staff,” head coach Bob Chesney said, per UCLA. “Our assistant coaches and analysts will play a critical role in our success on the field while helping build a culture rooted in competition and toughness. This group brings a strong combination of veteran football knowledge and hungry, emerging talent. Together, they will elevate every aspect of our program.”

Four of the New Hires Are From James Madison

UCLA hired Chesney from James Madison earlier in the offseason, and he has brought multiple coaches and analysts with him to Westwood for his first season with the Bruins.

UCLA Bruins head football coach Bob Chesney is introduced during the basketball game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom Financial.

Jan 31, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; UCLA Bruins head football coach Bob Chesney is introduced during the basketball game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom Financial. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Two of the most notable hires from James Madison are offensive coordinator Dean Kennedy and defensive coordinator Colin Hitschler.

The newest additions to the coaching staff from James Madison are defensive analysts Jacob Dobbs, Ukoh Essang and Justice Seales and senior offensive analyst Scott Brisson.

All of these former James Madison coaching staff members helped the Dukes reach the College Football Playoffs for the first time in program history last season. With the help of these coaches, UCLA could be the next team to make its first CFP appearance.

In addition to the former James Madison coaching staff members, UCLA hired Jon Boyer as the assistant quarterbacks coach, Mike Cordova as the assistant tight ends coach, Chris Monfiletto as assistant special teams coordinator/specialist coach and Matt Biondi as the second offensive analyst.

Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

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