Sunday, February 15, 2026

After 24 Exits, Bob Chesney Brings in Staff Who Helped Kenny Dillingham Make ASU History

In the world of college football, change is inevitable. Coaches come and go, players graduate or transfer, and teams are constantly evolving. However, when a team experiences a mass exodus of players, it can be a daunting task for a new coach to rebuild and create a winning culture. This is the challenge that new UCLA coach Bob Chesney is facing as he takes over a team that has lost 24 players to graduation and transfers.

But instead of being intimidated by this daunting task, Chesney is sending a clear message with his staff hires. He is determined to turn this challenge into an opportunity to build a strong and successful team. And in doing so, he has poached a key figure from a rival’s historic coaching staff – a move that has raised eyebrows and sparked excitement among UCLA fans.

Chesney’s search for the perfect addition to his coaching staff led him straight to a familiar name from Kenny Dillingham’s Arizona State crew – none other than the coach who helped the Sun Devils write history. This move not only brings in a highly experienced and successful coach, but it also adds a touch of familiarity and chemistry to the team.

The coach in question is none other than Zak Hill, who served as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Arizona State under Dillingham. Hill’s impact on the Sun Devils’ offense was undeniable, as he helped them achieve one of their best seasons in recent years. With Hill’s guidance, the Sun Devils had one of the most explosive offenses in the country, ranking in the top 25 in both passing and rushing yards per game.

Hill’s success at Arizona State is a testament to his coaching abilities and his ability to develop players. He played a crucial role in the development of quarterback Jayden Daniels, who had a stellar freshman season and was named the Pac-12 Freshman Offensive Player of the Year. Hill’s expertise and experience will be invaluable to UCLA’s young and talented quarterbacks, who will benefit greatly from his mentorship.

But Hill’s impact goes beyond just the quarterbacks. He has a proven track record of developing players at every position and getting the best out of them. This is exactly what UCLA needs as they look to rebuild their team and fill the void left by the 24 departures. Hill’s experience and success at Arizona State will undoubtedly bring a new level of competitiveness and determination to the UCLA offense.

Moreover, Hill’s addition to the coaching staff also brings a sense of familiarity and chemistry to the team. Having worked together at Arizona State, Hill and Dillingham have a strong understanding of each other’s coaching styles and philosophies. This will make the transition smoother for both the coaches and the players, as they already have a strong foundation to build upon.

Chesney’s decision to bring in Hill is a bold move that shows his determination to turn things around at UCLA. It also sends a clear message to the players and the fans that he is committed to building a winning team and will do whatever it takes to achieve success. Hill’s addition to the coaching staff is just the first step in Chesney’s plan to rebuild and revitalize the UCLA football program.

In conclusion, the hiring of Zak Hill is a significant move for UCLA football. It not only brings in a highly experienced and successful coach, but it also adds a touch of familiarity and chemistry to the team. With Hill’s expertise and experience, UCLA’s offense is poised to reach new heights and make a strong comeback after the mass exodus of players. The future looks bright for UCLA football, and it’s all thanks to the bold and strategic decision of coach Bob Chesney.

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