In the event that the Dukes make it into the College Football Playoffs, UCLA will allow Chesney to lead his team throughout the tournament.

Under Chesney’s leadership, James Madison achieved an 11-1 record this season, finishing ranked No. 19 nationally — an improvement from last year’s 9-4 season that concluded with a 27-17 victory over Western Kentucky in the Boca Raton Bowl.

UCLA dismissed their former coach DeShaun Foster early in the season after starting 0-3 and facing widespread memes mocking the low attendance at games. Interim coach Tim Skipper was considered a strong candidate for the permanent position but ended with a 3-6 record.

The Bruins ended the season with a 3-9 record — their worst since 2018 when they also finished 3-9.

This is not the first time a James Madison coach has been hired by a BIG10 program.

Curt Cignetti, the former James Madison head coach, was hired by Indiana in 2023 — they are currently 12-0, ranked No. 2 nationally, and vying for the National Championship.