UCLA’s Bob Chesney Compared to Former USC Coach Pete Carroll

TL;DR

UCLA's new head coach Bob Chesney is being compared to former USC coach Pete Carroll for his energetic practice style. Chesney, who previously led James Madison to a College Football Playoff appearance, is praised for his recruiting efforts and has brought a young staff to UCLA.

Key points

Bob Chesney is UCLA's new head coach.
Chesney previously led James Madison to a College Football Playoff appearance.
Chesney's practice style is compared to Pete Carroll's by former USC players.
UCLA has the No. 4 recruiting class in the nation for 2027.
Chesney's young staff is contributing to UCLA's recruiting success.

Mentioned in this story

Bob ChesneyPete Carroll

UCLAUSCJames MadisonSeattle Seahawks

UCLA is entering a new era under head coach Bob Chesney this season. Chesney is in his first season as UCLA’s head coach after leading James Madison to its first ever College Football Playoff appearance last season. The Bruins’ concluded their spring practices with their annual Spring Game at the Rose Bowl on Saturday, and Chesney is earning praise for what he has done with UCLA so far. Former USC wide receiver Travon Patterson attended two of UCLA’s spring practices and said Chesney reminds him of former USC head coach Pete Carroll.

Las Vegas Raiders head coach Pete Carroll observes warm ups before the start of a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.

Jan 4, 2026; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders head coach Pete Carroll observes warm ups before the start of a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images “I talked to Travon Patterson yesterday on my drive home from a tournament I was at in San Diego,” Biggins said. “He played at USC under Pete Carroll. He’s been to two UCLA practices and he said ‘Dude, this guy reminds me of Pete Carroll. The way that UCLA practices are set up with the energy, and the vibe, and the radio, the music pumping.’ He goes ‘It’s like our old USC practices.’”

"Bob Chesney reminds me so much of Pete Carroll"@GregBiggins explains why UCLA has surged into the Top-10 in the Rivals Recruiting Rankings 📈

MORE: pic.twitter.com/mH5D8JRcdv

— Josh Newberg (@josh\_newberg) May 4, 2026 Carroll led the Trojans to a 97-19 overall record, two national championships and seven consecutive Pac-10 championships from 2001-09. He held a 34-game winning streak between 2003-05 and is considered one of the best coaches in USC history. Carroll ultimately left USC to become the head coach of the in 2010. With the Seahawks, he won five NFC West titles, made two Super Bowl appearances and won Super Bowl XLVIII. After one season as the head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders in 2025, the franchise fired Carroll in January. Although his stint with the Raiders did not last long, his success with USC and the Seahawks is undeniable.

Q&A

What achievements did Pete Carroll have at USC?

Pete Carroll led USC to a 97-19 record, two national championships, and seven consecutive Pac-10 championships from 2001 to 2009.

How is Bob Chesney's coaching style similar to Pete Carroll's?

Bob Chesney's coaching style is noted for its energy and practice setup, reminiscent of Pete Carroll's approach at USC, according to former player Travon Patterson.

What is UCLA's current recruiting ranking under Bob Chesney?

UCLA currently boasts the No. 4 recruiting class in the nation and the No. 2 class in the Big Ten for 2027.