Former Holy Cross coach Chesney draws praise from Aikman before move to UCLA

Troy Aikman, the Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback who starred for two seasons at UCLA, shouted out new Bruins coach Bob Chesney during the “Monday Night Football” game between the Los Angeles Rams and Atlanta Falcons.

“Bob Chesney is gonna get us back to the promised land,” Aikman said.

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Chesney, who spent 11 years in Worcester as the coach at Assumption and Holy Cross, was introduced as UCLA’s coach Dec. 9.

In two seasons at James Madison, Chesney guided the Dukes to 21 wins and an appearance in this year’s College Football Playoff.

Chesney is in the process of assembling his first UCLA staff, which so far includes offensive coordinator Dean Kennedy and defensive coordinator Colin Hitschler, who were both with Chesney at JMU. Kennedy worked under Chesney for two years at Holy Cross.

Other familiar names joining Chesney at UCLA include special teams coordinator/tight ends coach Drew Canan, who was with Chesney at Assumption, Holy Cross and JMU, offensive line coach/run game coordinator Chris Smith, who starred at HC and was on Chesney’s HC and JMU staffs, and safeties coach Anthony DiMichele, who also starred for the Crusaders and coached with Chesney at Holy Cross and James Madison.

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Holy Cross to open season against Lehigh

Holy Cross will open its 2026 football season Aug. 29 against Lehigh at Fitton Field to kick off a 12-game slate, which includes six home games.

With the addition of Villanova and William & Mary to the Patriot League this season, the Crusaders will have nine PL games. HC travels to William & Mary on Oct. 3, while the Wildcats, who advanced to this season’s FCS semifinals, visit Worcester on Nov. 14.

The Crusaders will play non-conference games at Miami (Ohio) Sept. 12, against Yale at home Sept. 19 and at Harvard Oct. 17.

‒Contact Jennifer Toland at jennifer.toland@telegram.com. Follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, @JenTolandTG.

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Former Holy Cross coach Chesney draws praise from Aikman before move to UCLA