UCLA football head coach Bob Chesney has announced the hiring of 10 assistant coaches, finalizing his first-year staff in Westwood. Earlier this week, Chesney introduced Dean Kennedy as offensive coordinator and Colin Hitschler as defensive coordinator.
“In organizing our first-year staff, it was imperative that we find coaches who fit a mold unique to UCLA football that will allow for immediate success,” Chesney said. “This group possesses a great blend of competency, diversity and passion, and a track record of winning. Our infusion of West Coast ties will be essential in elevating UCLA’s brand, not just in Southern California, but across all of college football. Most importantly, this coaching staff will create an environment of competition and toughness that will challenge our student-athletes to become their absolute best on and off the field.”
The newly formed coaching team includes seven members from Chesney’s previous tenure at James Madison University (JMU), two returning coaches from last year’s UCLA staff, and three new additions from California programs. The list of assistants is as follows: Dean Kennedy (Offensive Coordinator), Colin Hitschler (Defensive Coordinator), Drew Canan (Special Teams Coordinator/Tight Ends), Colin Lockett (Wide Receivers), Chris Smith (Offensive Line/Run Game Coordinator), A.J. Steward (Running Backs), Sam Daniels (Defensive Ends), Anthony DiMichele (Safeties), Eddie Whitley Jr. (Defensive Backs), Gabe Lynn (Nickels), Vic So’oto (Linebackers) and Legi Suiaunoa (Defensive Line).
Chesney’s former JMU colleagues contributed to the Dukes’ successful 2025 season, which included an undefeated conference run in the Sun Belt Conference—one of only ten such records in league history—and their first Sun Belt Championship title. JMU reached its highest AP ranking at No. 19 after earning a No. 12 seed in the College Football Playoff with a final season record of 12-2.
Under this group’s leadership at JMU, both offense and defense were ranked among the top twenty nationally during the 2025 season. The offense led the Sun Belt Conference with 37.1 points per game—11th best in FBS—and averaged over 450 yards per game; defensively they allowed just under 267 yards per game—fifth-best nationally—and held opponents to fewer than 19 points per contest.
Drew Canan continues his long association with Chesney by joining UCLA as special teams coordinator/tight ends coach after serving similar roles at JMU and Holy Cross since 2014. His special teams units have consistently ranked among national leaders for blocked kicks.
Colin Lockett arrives after coaching wide receivers at New Mexico where he helped guide the Lobos to a bowl appearance and nine wins under head coach Jason Eck—a program first for a debuting staff.
Chris Smith returns to work with Chesney after eight seasons together across three schools including recent NFL experience with the New York Giants’ offensive line unit.
A.J. Steward enters his second year leading UCLA running backs following rotations that saw multiple players achieve significant yardage during the previous season.
Sam Daniels brings fifteen years’ collegiate experience to his role overseeing defensive ends after developing standout freshmen talent at James Madison.
Anthony DiMichele joins as safeties coach having previously served under Chesney at both JMU and Holy Cross; his position groups contributed significantly to limiting opponents’ passing efficiency last season.
Eddie Whitley Jr., another addition from James Madison’s defensive backfield coaching ranks, helped guide strong performances through several transitions between FCS and FBS play during his tenure there.
Gabe Lynn remains on staff but moves into a new assignment working with nickels after helping Bruins safeties rank among national leaders for pass defense last year.
Vic So’oto comes from California where he most recently served as co-defensive coordinator; his prior stops include USC, Virginia, BYU—as well as four seasons playing linebacker in the NFL.
Legi Suiaunoa rounds out the hires with extensive experience along defensive lines at Michigan State and Oregon State where he developed top-ranked rushing defenses over several years.
