UCLA's New Coach Deal: A Surprising Bargain or a Calculated Risk?
The recently unveiled contract details of UCLA's new football coach, Bob Chesney, have sparked intriguing discussions. With a five-year, $33.75 million deal, Chesney's average salary of $6.75 million might seem like a steal for the university. But here's the twist: this salary doesn't even crack the top 35 in college football coaching salaries!
According to the USA Today database, Chesney's pay would have ranked just behind Arkansas' Sam Pittman and ahead of Auburn's Hugh Freeze in 2025. Yet, the contract includes annual increases, starting at $5.4 million in the first year and reaching $5.8 million in the fifth year. And that's not all—Chesney also received a substantial hiring bonus of $3.7 million, with most of it due before February 2026.
But the real controversy lies in the buyout clause. If UCLA decides to part ways with Chesney without cause, they'll owe him 75% of his remaining base salary and talent fee. However, if Chesney leaves for another job, he'll have to pay UCLA hefty amounts, decreasing over time. For instance, he'd owe $8 million if he departed before December 2026, dropping to $1 million if he stayed until December 2030. And this is the part most people miss: a mitigation clause requires Chesney to find employment to offset any buyout owed.
Chesney's contract also includes various performance bonuses. He can earn up to $350,000 for winning a certain number of games in a season, with additional bonuses for appearing in and winning the Big Ten championship. If UCLA reaches the College Football Playoff, Chesney's bonus could skyrocket to $300,000, with more rewards for CFP victories and a national championship.
The contract also incentivizes Chesney to stay, offering a retention bonus of $550,000 annually after February 2027. He can also earn from football camps and clinics, and his family receives exclusive perks like a suite for home games and tickets to other UCLA athletic events.
Assistant coaches also received substantial deals. Offensive coordinator Colin Hitschler and defensive coordinator Dean Kennedy will earn average salaries of $1.6 million and $1.34 million, respectively. Other assistants, like Chris Smith, Chris Grautski, and Drew Canan, will make upwards of $600,000 per year, including bonuses.
So, is UCLA's deal with Chesney a bargain or a risky investment? The contract's structure and bonuses suggest a strategic approach, but only time will tell if it pays off. What do you think? Is this a fair deal for both parties, or is there room for debate?
