Derek Carr Joins UCLA as Special Adviser to Coach Bob Chesney

Four-time Pro Bowler Derek Carr transitions to collegiate coaching, accepting a volunteer role under Bob Chesney to assist UCLA's quarterback room.

UCLA football officially announced the appointment of Derek Carr as a volunteer special adviser to head coach Bob Chesney on Monday, August 10, 2026, at 8:44 PM ET. The four-time Pro Bowl selection transitions to the collegiate ranks following an 11-year professional career spent with the Raiders and the Saints. Carr, who stepped away from active play in May 2025, will now dedicate his time to assisting the Bruins' offensive staff with weekly game-planning and the direct development of the team's signal-callers.

Key details

Bob Chesney arrives at UCLA after a highly successful two-year stint at James Madison, where he orchestrated a 21-6 overall record. His tenure with the Dukes was highlighted by a Sun Belt championship and a berth in the College Football Playoff. By integrating a veteran with over a decade of NFL starting experience, Chesney aims to leverage Carr’s tactical knowledge to bolster a program entering a new era of leadership. The head coach emphasized that the retiree’s presence offers an unparalleled resource for student-athletes navigating the complexities of modern offensive systems.

The hiring facilitates a professional reunion between Carr and UCLA general manager Darrick Yray. Their history dates back to Fresno State, where they worked together from 2009 through 2013. During those five seasons, Yray functioned as an offensive assistant for four years before spending three years as the assistant director of football operations. This established rapport played a significant role in Carr’s decision to join the Bruins’ support staff in a non-paid capacity, citing a deep-seated respect for Yray’s organizational vision.

Latest developments

Carr’s professional resume includes four Pro Bowl nods earned during his tenure in the AFC and NFC. His retirement in May 2025 concluded a career defined by durability and high-volume passing stats across two different franchises. In his new role, he will not be a primary recruiter but will instead focus on the technical aspects of the quarterback position. The veteran noted his enthusiasm for helping the current roster understand the nuances of professional-level preparation and execution on the field.

Strategically, the Bruins are looking to capitalize on the momentum Chesney generated at his previous coaching stop. The addition of a special adviser with 11 seasons of NFL film study experience is intended to refine the team's weekly scouting reports and situational play-calling. Carr will be present during offensive meetings, providing a unique perspective on defensive coverages and blitz packages that he encountered throughout his long career in the professional ranks.

This volunteer position allows Carr to remain close to the game while contributing to the growth of young athletes without the full-time rigors of a standard position coach role. The official news release from the university confirmed that his duties began immediately upon the Monday evening announcement. As UCLA prepares for its upcoming schedule, the integration of Carr’s expertise into the offensive room serves as a high-profile endorsement of Chesney’s new culture. The program’s leadership believes that having a recently retired NFL starter on the sidelines will provide a competitive edge in both mental preparation and on-field performance for the Bruins' quarterbacks.