Bob Chesney appears to be a promising choice for UCLA’s struggling football team.
Latest reports suggest that the new head coach has secured a five-year contract worth $33.75 million, translating to an average of $6.75 million per year. Interestingly, this salary doesn’t place him among the top 35 highest-paid coaches in college football.
If the terms of Chesney’s contract hold, by 2025, he will be earning slightly less than Arkansas’ Sam Pittman, who makes $6.81 million, and slightly more than Auburn’s Hugh Freeze, at $6.73 million.
Chesney’s contract, as reported by the California Post, includes incremental raises across the five years. For instance, his salary will start at $5.4 million in the first year, gradually rising to $5.8 million by the fifth year.
Additionally, he has been granted a $3.7 million recruiting bonus, with $2.65 million due by February 2, and the remainder by March 2.
The buyout clause in his contract stipulates that he would receive 75% of his remaining salary if terminated without cause. There’s also a requirement for him to search for work to offset any outstanding payments if he leaves.
If Chesney takes another position before December 21, 2026, he will owe UCLA $8 million; this amount decreases over subsequent years, dropping to $5 million by December 31, 2027, $3.5 million by 2028, $2 million by 2029, and finally $1 million by December 31, 2030.
He stands to gain a $550,000 retention bonus if he remains until February 15, 2027, with similar payments on the same date in subsequent years based on his contract. Moreover, hosting football camps and clinics could net him an additional $100,000 annually. His family will also enjoy suite access for home games and complimentary tickets to other UCLA sports events.
Performance-related bonuses are also part of his contract. He’ll earn $50,000 for securing six wins, and up to $350,000 for ten wins. Additionally, reaching the Big Ten Championship could yield another $200,000, and winning it would add another $200,000. Participating in a non-playoff bowl game would give him $100,000, with the potential for an extra $100,000 for a victory in that game.
Should UCLA make its debut in the College Football Playoff, Chesney could earn $300,000, plus $150,000 for each playoff win and another $200,000 for winning the national championship. There’s even a $50,000 bonus if the Bruins finish in the top 10 of the Associated Press rankings; that’s $100,000 for breaking into the top five.
If he earns the Big Ten Coach of the Year award, either from the conference, Associated Press, or the American Football Coaches Association, he would receive a $50,000 bonus. Winning the National Coach of the Year would add $100,000.
The offensive coordinator, Colin Hitchler, has a three-year contract averaging $1.6 million annually, including various bonuses. Defensive coordinator Dean Kennedy’s deal is two years with a similar average of $1.34 million annually.
Most other assistants have signed two-year contracts. For instance, the offensive line coach Chris Smith is set for $845,000 per year, while the athletic performance director Chris Grautsky will earn $725,000 annually. Other positions include tight ends and special teams coordinator Drew Canaan at $637,500, defensive line coach Regi Souianois at $550,000, linebackers coach Vic Sooto at $500,000, defensive backs coach Eddie Whitley Jr. and safeties coach Anthony DiMichel each making $475,000, and running backs coach AJ Steward earning $405,000. Wide receivers coach Colin Lockett will make $316,667, and Nickelbacks coach Gabe Lynn will earn $300,000.
The general manager, Darick Iley, has a two-year contract at $475,000 annually, while the defensive ends coach Sam Daniels and chief of staff Matt Trance will earn $450,000 and $350,000, respectively, under one-year agreements.
