UCLA's football program is experiencing a cultural shift under new head coach Bob Chesney, who is implementing the same principles that led to success at James Madison University. Players and staff have observed a rapid transformation, moving from what was described as a "ghost town" atmosphere to one of unity and high energy.
Tight end Josh Phifer, who followed Chesney from James Madison to UCLA, noted the immediate impact of the new coaching philosophy. "When the Bruins belted out their fight song with that familiar gusto late in training camp, it struck a chord," Phifer said, recalling similar moments at James Madison that preceded successful games. He described the current atmosphere as "JMUCLA," with the added benefit of Southern California's climate.
Chesney's approach emphasizes treating everyone in the facility, from players to support staff like the team chef, as family. This has led to players memorizing the names of teammates and facility workers, fostering a closer bond. Kicker Mateen Bhaghani estimated he knows about 90% of the workers' names, highlighting the inclusive environment. "Everybody is treated the same in the building and I feel like that's something that brought the team a lot closer," Bhaghani stated.
In the locker room, a pingpong table has become a central gathering spot, encouraging players to spend more time together. This contrasts sharply with the previous era under DeShaun Foster, which saw a record of 5-10 and a less engaging team dynamic. "Last year it was like you would walk into that locker room and sometimes it would be a ghost town," Bhaghani commented.
Chesney also stresses positive attitude, urgency, and relentlessness. He is often seen as the most energetic figure on the practice field, actively participating in drills. "Any really good organization is not filled with people who are afraid to work, low energy, negative people," Chesney said. "If the leader of the entire team is not putting himself in a position where he brings it every day and stays positive every single day, there's really no hope for that team to do the same."
This demanding approach was evident when Chesney vocally urged players to move with more urgency between drills, yelling, "If you're walking, you're weak!"
Players who have experienced Chesney's coaching at James Madison believe in his methods. Phifer recalled initial skepticism at James Madison after Chesney took over, but a comeback victory in the home opener and a subsequent blowout win against North Carolina solidified the team's buy-in. "That let the players be like, OK, we can buy in, we can trust – this energy stuff works," Phifer said.
Under Chesney, James Madison achieved a 9-4 record in 2024 and a 12-2 record in 2025, including a College Football Playoff appearance. He has brought key staff members, including offensive coordinator Dean Kennedy and defensive coordinator Colin Hitschler, to Westwood. Several players who transferred with Chesney also understand the commitment required for a successful run.
With the integration of these new elements and the presence of returning talent like quarterback Nico Iamaleava, the Bruins are poised for an immediate impact in Chesney's first season. The renewed sense of identity, centered on family and brotherhood, is evident in the team's unified embrace of their fight song, which Bhaghani says has become reflexive.
