Bob Chesney Clears the Air on JMU Future Amid UCLA Move

James Madison head coach Bob Chesney didn’t wait long to silence the rumors. Moments after the Dukes’ strong 31–14 win over Troy in the Sun Belt Championship, the 48-year-old made it clear he’s staying with JMU through the postseason—playoff hopes and all. Even with a UCLA deal worth up to $6–7 million per year waiting on the West Coast, Chesney confirmed he’ll coach the Dukes in the College Football Playoff if they make the cut.

When reporters asked whether he planned to stay on the sideline for the playoff run, Bob Chesney kept it simple: “Yes.” He explained that the bowl game details were still being worked out with athletic director Matt Roan, but there was no question about the CFP. He praised the maturity and focus of his team, calling them one of the most locked-in groups he’s ever coached.

The speculation had been building for weeks. As JMU rolled into championship weekend with an 11–1 record, rumors of Chesney’s UCLA agreement started to swirl. Troy’s camp even hinted that the Dukes might not be fully focused because their head coach had one foot out the door. And with players reportedly eyeing the transfer portal, the timing created plenty of concern around the program.

But UCLA made the situation easier. According to multiple reports, including ESPN’s Pete Thamel, the Bruins agreed to let Chesney finish JMU’s postseason run—even if it included a playoff bid. That green light helped stabilize a team already riding an 11-game win streak and sitting at No. 25 in the country.

Once the game kicked off, JMU shut down any doubts. Running back Wayne Knight delivered the best performance of his career, rushing for 212 yards and a touchdown, including a record-setting 73-yard run—the longest ever in a Sun Belt title game. Late in the fourth quarter, with JMU up 24–14, Sahir West’s strip-sack turned into a 22-yard scoop-and-score by Drew Spinogatti to put the game away.

The defense was lights-out in the second half, holding Troy to just 45 total yards. The win gave JMU its first conference title since 2021 and kept their postseason dreams alive. Now, the Dukes need the rest of championship weekend to break their way—including an upset by Duke over Virginia—to stay alive in the playoff conversation.

Meanwhile, Bob Chesney’s next chapter is already lined up. He’s expected to be officially announced as UCLA’s new head coach soon, saying fans should have “more clarity” by tomorrow. His jump to Los Angeles comes with a massive raise from his JMU salary of $833,495 and easily covers his $1.25 million buyout.

UCLA’s bet makes sense. Bob Chesney owns a 131–51 career record, seven titles, and a reputation for building tough defenses. His current JMU squad leads the Sun Belt in scoring defense and total defense. Players rave about the culture he built. And while Arizona’s Brent Brennan was reportedly a backup option, UCLA clearly wanted Chesney.

For now, though, his focus stays on JMU—and the slim but real possibility of crashing the College Football Playoff.

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