"Eight of Chesney's assistant coaches at James Madison have spent multiple years working with him, some of the connections going back to Chesney's days at Salve Regina in Division III. Dukes offensive coordinator Dean Kennedy and defensive coordinator Colin Hitschler could offer the Bruins something Chesney doesn't possess - experience at the Power Four conference level. Kennedy once worked in the Southeastern Conference, serving as a graduate assistant at Mississippi State and a graduate assistant, offensive quality control coach and assistant quarterbacks coach at Florida."
"Both Kennedy and Hitschler were wildly successful with the Dukes, their units ranking in the top 10 in the nation in scoring offense and defense, respectively. UCLA's season opener against California on Sept. 5 at Memorial Stadium in Berkeley will represent Chesney's first game as a head coach or an assistant at the Football Bowl Subdivision level. He's won everywhere else after rising from Division III to Division II to the Football Championship Subdivision"
"UCLA hired Bob Chesney as football coach, but will his James Madison coordinators join him in Westwood? The Bruins must rebuild after a dismal season with zero All-Big Ten selections, highlighting the steep talent gap Chesney must overcome. One of Chesney's biggest challenges will be to keep UCLA's best players out of the transfer portal."
Bob Chesney was formally hired as UCLA football coach shortly after leading James Madison to the Sun Belt championship. Several long-time assistants have strong ties to Chesney and may accompany him to Westwood. Dean Kennedy and Colin Hitschler bring Power Four experience, with prior roles at Mississippi State, Florida and Alabama and with units ranking among the national top 10. UCLA finished a dismal season with zero All-Big Ten selections, underscoring a steep talent gap. One immediate priority will be preventing the program's best players from entering the transfer portal. Chesney's first FBS game will come against California on Sept. 5.
Read at Los Angeles Times
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