Derek Carr lands surprising role for 2026 season

Derek Carr gets first coaching gig as UCLA special advisor

Carr has an interesting opportunity at UCLA as he begins his second act in football as a coach. The Bruins return former five-star prospect Nico Iamaleava at quarterback, and he's looking to bounce back after a disappointing first season in the Big Ten following a strong freshman campaign at Tennessee. Last year, Iamaleava averaged just 175.3 passing yards per game while throwing 13 touchdowns and seven interceptions in 11 games.

UCLA went 3-9 overall, ranking No. 126 (out of 136 FBS programs) in scoring (18.2 points per game), prompting Chesney's hiring from 2025 CFP participant James Madison.

"Derek will have a tremendous impact on our players and is a great addition to our program," Chesney said in a statement.

Carr expressed excitement as well, saying, "The opportunity to help Coach Chesney, the staff and the quarterbacks at UCLA was one that really excited me."

If the Bruins show noticeable improvement on offense, Carr's profile might quickly rise in coaching circles. His impact as an adviser may be limited, but teams could consider him as a quarterbacks coach, the logical next step in his career arc.

Even as a late add to the coaching staff, Carr has plenty to offer — and gain — at UCLA. The door appears closed to his on-field career, but Carr's time on the sideline is only getting started.