Derek Carr, a four-time Pro Bowl quarterback, has joined the UCLA football program as a volunteer special advisor to head coach Bob Chesney. Carr will assist with game-planning strategy and work with the Bruins' quarterbacks.
Carr, who retired in the spring of 2025 after 11 NFL seasons, spent nine of those years with the Oakland and Las Vegas Raiders. He previously played at Fresno State, where he set numerous school and conference records. During his college career, Carr passed for 12,843 yards and 113 touchdowns, earning a two-time All-American selection and winning the 2013 Sammy Baugh Trophy as the nation's top passer. His No. 4 jersey has been retired by his alma mater.
"We are excited to welcome Derek to our program," Chesney said in a statement. "He has played the quarterback position at a high level for more than a decade, and his experience, leadership and football knowledge will be an incredible resource for our coaching staff and student-athletes."
Carr also has a connection to UCLA's general manager, Darrick Yray, who previously worked with Carr at Fresno State. Carr expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to contribute to the UCLA program.
"The opportunity to help coach Chesney, the staff and the quarterbacks at UCLA was one that really excited me," Carr said. "I’m looking forward to sharing my experiences and helping support the program in any way I can."
In his NFL career, Carr finished with 41,245 passing yards and 257 touchdown passes, remaining the Raiders' all-time leader in passing yards, passing touchdowns, and completions. He was a second-round selection in the 2014 NFL draft. Carr's addition aims to help revitalize a UCLA program that has not appeared in a major bowl game for over 25 years.