NRT briefing
UCLA can’t waste any time locking remarkable Bob Chesney up with big contract extension
Based on reporting by New York Post.
The Brief
New York Post columnist Ben Bolch is urging UCLA to immediately offer head football coach Bob Chesney a substantial contract extension after the team's perfect 5-0 start in his first season. The call follows UCLA's 17-15 victory over the Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium, the program's first win in Eugene since 2004 and its first-ever home win over a ranked Oregon team. Bolch compares the situation to Indiana's extension of Curt Cignetti after his 10-0 start nearly two years ago, and argues UCLA should not wait to secure Chesney, who some have labeled the next Sean McVay.
Chesney's current deal is a five-year, $33.75 million contract paying an average of $6.75 million annually. The column notes the team's remaining schedule, including home games against Wisconsin and USC, and suggests the Bruins can likely afford two losses and still make the College Football Playoff. Bolch acknowledges issues, including quarterback Nico Iamaleava's struggles and penalties, but credits Chesney for navigating them, including turning to former third-stringer Ty Dieffenbach, who threw the decisive touchdown pass. The column also quotes players saying there are no limits for the team under Chesney.
NRT commentary
How We See It
The New York Post makes a compelling case, and it's hard to argue with the urgency. In the modern college football landscape, where a hot coach is often poached by a wealthier program or the NFL within months, waiting is a luxury UCLA cannot afford. The comparison to Curt Cignetti is instructive: Indiana locked him up, and it paid off with a national championship. UCLA's administration would be wise to follow that blueprint before another school comes calling for a coach who has seemingly transformed the program's culture and swagger overnight.
That said, a five-game sample size is a very small foundation for a massive new financial commitment. The article admits the Bruins have issues, including penalties and a struggling quarterback. While the early returns are beyond impressive, particularly the win over Oregon, the history of college football is littered with coaches who started strong and then faded. It's a high-risk, high-reward proposition, but given how difficult it is to find a coach who can blend on-field success with the attitude and accountability Chesney appears to bring, the risk of not acting is arguably even greater. The contract lawyers should be on speed dial.
Commentary uses AI assistance. Read about our automated checks or report a correction.