As Bob Chesney prepares to make his coaching debut at UCLA, he is accompanied by a familiar and energetic presence: his father. The elder Bob Chesney, who has been a consistent figure throughout his son's coaching career, now brings his unique brand of motivation to the Bruins.
Described as a "bear of a man" with a positive outlook, the elder Chesney volunteers as a defensive line coach, focusing on uplifting the team's spirit and heart. He is known for offering motivational sayings, engaging in pranks, and distributing "power pills" – Mentos or gummy bears – to players, encouraging them to maintain energy, especially during challenging moments. Defensive lineman Darold DeNgohe noted that Senior "always got the energy" to combat sluggishness.
This supportive role is not new for the elder Chesney. He previously bolstered edge rusher Sahir West, urging him to perform at his best before a significant game at James Madison, a game in which West excelled. "They couldn't block him," Senior remarked after West's dominant performance.
The elder Chesney instilled a strong work ethic in his son from a young age. Growing up in Kulpmont, Pennsylvania, a town known for its coal mines and demanding lifestyle, young Bob would complete chores and help neighbors, embodying a principle of adding value. This grit was a hallmark of his father's coaching philosophy, which combined discipline with a degree of compassion.
Bob Chesney's journey through college football has seen him move from Salve Regina University to Assumption, then to Holy Cross and James Madison, before accepting the UCLA position in December. His father has been a constant companion on this path, attending meetings and observing games. The elder Chesney and his wife, Claudia, made a cross-country drive to Los Angeles, incorporating visits to historic sites along Route 66.
His father likens his son's career progression to an architect's building process, starting with a foundation and progressively adding layers of structure and detail at each coaching stop. Now at UCLA, he muses that the next step might be "landscaping" or adding "fruit trees."
The elder Chesney believes his son's success stems from adhering to core principles, emphasizing that "everything that he does has a purpose." He asserts that good coaching involves fundamental execution of blocking, tackling, throwing, and catching, and that success is achieved when coaches and players are comfortable and authentic in their approach. This enduring father-son partnership, as the elder Chesney describes it, is like a shepherd watching over the flock while the younger shepherds manage the herd.