UCLA Football Coach Connects with Students Through Pizza

Who doesn’t like free pizza, right? It was definitely a hit among students.

Bob Chesney, the new head coach for UCLA football, made a notable impression on Monday by visiting five of the largest fraternities at UCLA, bringing along tasty snacks.

Along with three of his players—top edge rusher Sahil West and defensive backs Cole Martin and Rodrick Pleasant—Chesney handed out over 50 pizzas, delighting the hungry fraternity members.

While the players shot hoops at an outdoor court, Chesney emphasized the importance of student support for the Bruins.

This initiative is part of Chesney’s broader strategy to build excitement for a football team that has faced challenges in attracting fans at their home games over the past ten years. In fact, the average attendance last season was 37,252, which marked the lowest figure since the team transitioned to the Rose Bowl in 1982.

The coach encouraged students to join in on the upcoming Bruins’ spring game at the Rose Bowl this Saturday. “We’re working hard to turn things around here,” he mentioned to the students. “We want you to be proud of what you see.”

He continued, “It takes a village, right? As I’ve said everywhere I’ve been, it takes everyone, and you’re part of that village.”

UCLA has a longstanding relationship with Greek life, with special accommodations like busing and designated tailgating areas for fraternities and sororities outside the stadium. Chesney’s visit was aimed at reinforcing that bond.

“I urge other students to join us now,” Chesney added to another group. “The sooner we do this, the better it will be for everyone involved. We really need you.”