'Coach Chesney is a winner.' Nico Iamaleava and Cole Martin sold on Bruins' new leader

UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava, center, said he was sold on staying with the Bruins after one meeting with new coach Bob Chesney. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times) UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava didn’t want to enter the transfer portal, even after a tumultuous season that saw the program fire its head coach after an 0-3 start and fall short of a bowl game despite a midseason semi-revival . After one conversation with then-recently hired Bruins coach Bob Chesney , Iamaleava was sold on wearing the Blue and Gold for another season.

“It was a no-brainer,” Iamaleava told reporters after practice Saturday. “Coach Chesney is a winner. ” Saturday’s practice was the fifth of UCLA’s spring practice schedule, featuring fully padded, live reps and a lot of energy at Spaulding Field.

After successful offensive plays, or defense stops, the respective winning units would often swarm the drill area with cheers, briefly, before moving onto the next rep. Game day energy, every day 🔥 @JayDouble_9 #4sup pic. twitter.

com/SKdcFTcWlJ — UCLA Football (@UCLAFootball) April 11, 2026 Iamaleava said the energy the coaching staff has brought so far during spring practices has been key to them being really fun for players and promoting competition. Multiple coaches, including Chesney, got involved during drills, giving advice and encouraging players. Bruin safety Cole Martin said he’s never seen a head coach be as involved in drills as Chesney.