UCLA HC Bob Chesney drops obvious response to Derek Carr’s coaching inquiry

On Monday, UCLA added former NFL quarterback Derek Carr as a special adviser to head coach Bob Chesney, giving the Bruins’ new staff an experienced voice to assist with game planning and quarterback development.

Carr, 35, was on the field with UCLA quarterbacks during practice on Aug. 11 at the Great Park facility, his first appearance since the program officially announced his volunteer role. The arrangement, according to Chesney, began during spring practice after Carr reached out through UCLA general manager Darrick Yray, who worked at Fresno State as an offensive assistant and assistant director of football operations during Carr’s college career.

“He has a place in Newport Beach, right down the road,” Chesney told reporters Tuesday. “(He said) ‘I’m going to be around a lot, and I’d love to be able to help out.’ I think when Derek Carr asks to help out, the answer is yes.”

“I think when Derek Carr asks to help out, the answer is yes.” – UCLA head coach Bob Chesney on his new special advisor on staff.

Full press conference after Tuesday’s practice in Irvine https://t.co/zQ4488pUBh pic.twitter.com/201PxXuMHs

— Tracy McDannald (@Tracy_McDannald) August 11, 2026

Carr’s duties include assisting UCLA’s offensive staff with game-planning strategy while working directly with the Bruins’ quarterbacks. Chesney pointed out Carr will not be a full-time presence because of family commitments, but he will have access to film study and is expected to be on the sidelines during games.

The addition gives UCLA access to one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in recent football history. Carr played 11 NFL seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders and New Orleans Saints, earning four Pro Bowl selections while throwing for 41,245 career yards, ranking 22nd in NFL history. He remains the Raiders’ all-time leader in passing yards, completions and touchdown passes.

Before the NFL, Carr starred at Fresno State, where he threw for 12,842 yards and 113 touchdowns. In 2013, he led the nation in passing yards and touchdown passes and won the Sammy Baugh Trophy. Fresno State later retired his No. 4 jersey.

Carr retired from the NFL in May 2025 because of a serious right shoulder injury, ending speculation about a potential return to playing. He now begins his first coaching role by working with UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava, who passed for 1,928 yards and 13 touchdowns last season, and backup Madden Iamaleava as Chesney enters his first season leading the Bruins.

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