There was a time not long ago that Bob Chesney was mentioned as a potential candidate to become Penn State’s next head football coach.
Not anymore, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel.
Thamel reported Monday that UCLA is targeting Chesney, the current coach at James Madison, to become its next permanent head coach.
Sources: James Madison coach Bob Chesney has emerged as the target of UCLA’s coaching search. He’s set to sign a 5-year deal with UCLA that will emerge after James Madison’s Sun Belt championship game. UCLA has agreed for him to coach in the CFP, if JMU makes it. pic.twitter.com/PLznBJoY5r
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) December 1, 2025
Chesney, a Pennsylvania native, has led No. 19 James Madison to an 11-1 season. The Dukes will play Troy (8-4) in the Sun Belt championship game on Friday.
Chesney is in his second season at JMU, having led the Dukes to a 9-4 record in 2024.
Chesney previously coached at Holy Cross and Assumption.
Thamel is reporting that Chesney will sign a five-year deal with UCLA after the Sun Belt championship game and the Bruins will permit Chesney to coach James Madison if it makes the college football playoff.