How Dave Roberts Contributed to UCLA’s Decision to Hire Bob Chesney as Head Coach
Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts Aids UCLA in Securing New Football Coach
In a significant move for UCLA’s football program, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has played an instrumental role in helping the university hire Bob Chesney as its new head football coach. The Bruins are optimistic that this decision will lead to a resurgence in their football fortunes.
Roberts, renowned for his pivotal moment with the Boston Red Sox during the 2004 playoffs, stepped in as an advisor during the coaching search. He expressed confidence in Chesney, who has signed a five-year deal worth $33.75 million. “I just see him as a guy that failure’s not an option,” Roberts stated. “He’s gonna win. I think I have a pretty good gut and read on people and I couldn’t have more conviction in coach Chesney.”
While not officially part of UCLA’s search committee, Roberts provided insights and perspectives during discussions with candidates. His involvement is particularly noteworthy given his stature as a Bruins alumnus and manager of the two-time defending World Series champions. “I went to UCLA, I’m proud of that,” Roberts reflected. “I felt that with my role in Los Angeles, there’s some opportunities… I could add some value.”
Roberts engaged in multiple conversations with Chesney, who previously led James Madison University to the College Football Playoff. The Dukes earned a 12-1 record and will face Oregon in an opening playoff game on December 20. “I also challenged him on, ‘Does he have the bandwidth to not only recruit to get his players to perform at a high level but also reintroduce the student body and the alumni back into UCLA football?’” Roberts remarked, emphasizing the need to revive fan support as attendance has dwindled at home games.
Bob Myers, a member of UCLA’s search committee and former general manager for the Golden State Warriors, noted Roberts’s commitment, saying, “For Dave to even take the time to jump on a Zoom, it showed that he cared.”
Chesney, in his introductory statements, underscored the importance of community engagement, hinting at potential initiatives with local schools to rejuvenate interest in UCLA football. He remarked, “We will be a ‘yes’ program, where… if someone comes to us and says, ‘Can you help us with this?’ My answer will be yes.”
UCLA has promised heightened resources to support Chesney’s efforts, with Myers indicating that the financial backing will position the program competitively within the Big Ten. “He’s a very good football coach… but he needs the resources,” Roberts stated, urging the community not to adopt a wait-and-see attitude.
With excitement surrounding the new hire, Roberts expressed eagerness to attend spring practices. “He’s a worker, and I think he’s a motivator,” Roberts said. “He got me excited to get back to playing football, but I got some bad knees.” The enthusiasm is palpable as the Bruins embark on a hopeful new chapter under Chesney’s leadership.
