Image source: AP Photo/Lynne Sladky
UCLA head coach Bob Chesney is trying to bring his “championship blueprint” from Virginia to Los Angeles. The Bruins recently added 41 new players to the roster, showing how serious the program is about turning things around after struggling in the Big Ten, according to team reports.
Bob Chesney isn’t just reshaping the roster. He is also rebuilding his coaching staff, and one of his biggest moves involved hiring a familiar face from his previous stop.
UCLA hired former JMU quality control assistant and former Holy Cross defensive standout Jacob Dobbs as an assistant linebackers coach. Chesney worked with Dobbs last season at James Madison University, so he already understands his coaching style and football IQ.
Some observers wondered if the hire was based more on familiarity than merit. But Dobbs’ résumé provides strong answers to that concern. This will be his second year in coaching after finishing his college playing career in 2024, and he arrives with real on-field credentials.
Dobbs earned Second Team All-Sun Belt honors in 2024 and landed on the Butkus Award Watch List, which highlights the nation’s top linebackers. Before that, he spent five seasons at Holy Cross and became one of the most decorated defenders in school history.
During his time with the Crusaders, Dobbs was a two-time Buck Buchanan Award finalist, a Jerry Rice Award finalist, and a two-time First Team All-American. He also won Patriot League Defensive Player of the Year twice, showcasing his durability and production on defense.
After six years of college football and using all remaining eligibility, Dobbs decided to start coaching instead of entering the NFL Draft. That decision paid off quickly.
Dobbs joined the JMU staff that won the Sun Belt East title and the overall conference championship last season. The Dukes made a stunning run to the 2025 CFP National Championship before falling to Oregon.
Even with the loss, Bob Chesney earned national respect for his coaching ability. UCLA needed that kind of leadership after finishing 3-9 in 2025 during its transition into Big Ten play. The combined efforts of DeShaun Foster and Tim Skipper couldn’t get the Bruins above four wins, so Chesney’s 21-5 record over two seasons at JMU made him an appealing choice.
With trust placed in him, Bob Chesney attacked the transfer portal aggressively. UCLA landed four-star linebacker Sammy Omosigho from Oklahoma and wide receiver Aidan Mizell from Florida. Chesney also followed the Lane Kiffin model of bringing players from his former program.
That strategy added key pieces like second-team All-American running back Wayne Knight, second-team All-Sun Belt edge rusher and Sun Belt Freshman of the Year Sahir West, and lineman Riley Robell. Each played major roles in JMU’s championship success and already knows Chesney’s system.
While 2026 remains the main focus, Chesney is also building for the future. One major long-term target is Dane Weber, a four-star quarterback from Chaparral High School in Temecula.
Weber ranks among the top quarterbacks in his class and has been recruited by Arizona, Arizona State, Oregon, and others. UCLA may have an advantage because Weber grew up in California and has talked about hoping for a Bruins offer.
Weber threw for 3,645 yards and 41 touchdowns last season and added 688 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns. That dual-threat profile would make him a major addition to UCLA’s 2027 recruiting class.
With new staff, impact transfers, and recruiting momentum, Chesney is aiming for a fast turnaround in Westwood. Whether the blueprint works in the Big Ten is still unknown, but the early moves show the Bruins are serious about changing the direction of the program.
FAQ:
Who did Bob Chesney hire at UCLA?
Bob Chesney hired Jacob Dobbs as an assistant linebackers coach. Dobbs previously worked under Chesney at James Madison University as a quality control assistant.
Why did UCLA add Jacob Dobbs to the staff?
Chesney knows Dobbs well from their time at JMU and believes in his football IQ. Dobbs also has a strong playing background, so the hire is not just about familiarity.
What are Jacob Dobbs’ playing achievements?
Dobbs was a Second Team All-Sun Belt linebacker in 2024 and made the Butkus Award Watch List. At Holy Cross, he earned multiple All-American honors and won Patriot League Defensive Player of the Year twice.
How has UCLA performed in the Big Ten so far?
UCLA struggled in 2025 and finished with a 3-9 record. The program has not found success yet in its new conference.
How did Bob Chesney perform before joining UCLA?
Chesney went 21-5 over two seasons at JMU. His team won the Sun Belt Championship and made it to the 2025 CFP National Championship game.
Which transfer players did Chesney bring to UCLA?
UCLA added Sammy Omosigho (Oklahoma), Aidan Mizell (Florida), and former JMU players Wayne Knight, Sahir West, and Riley Robell.
Who is Dane Weber and why is he important?
Dane Weber is a four-star quarterback from California in the 2027 class. He has interest from major Pac-12 and Big 12 schools, and UCLA could be a strong option for him.
Does UCLA have an advantage in Weber’s recruitment?
Yes. Weber grew up in California and called UCLA a “dream” school. He also said the location makes it easy to visit and stay in contact with the staff.
What type of quarterback is Dane Weber?
Weber is a dual-threat QB. In his recent season, he passed for 3,645 yards and 41 touchdowns and rushed for 688 yards and 14 touchdowns.
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