Bill Plaschke endorses UCLA head coach Bob Chesney in column

Bill Plaschke of the Los Angeles Times expressed confidence in new UCLA head coach Bob Chesney over the weekend. Plaschke highlighted Chesney's successful track record at James Madison and the potential for the Bruins program to emerge as a contender in the Big Ten, given its new influx of talent via a robust transfer class and recruiting efforts. While challenges remain for UCLA football, including questions about their future stadium and competition in the conference, Plaschke’s column marks a notable endorsement amidst his previous criticisms of other athletic department figures. The upcoming 2026 season will test Chesney’s ability to build on this momentum.

• 4:45 PMYahoo Sports — Los Angeles Times' Bill Plaschke believes in UCLA's Bob Chesney