UCLA OC Kennedy: Old Handwritten Note Forged Bond With Chesney

UCLA offensive coordinator Dean Kennedy revealed that a handwritten note he sent to Bob Chesney years ago led to their professional relationship. Before joining Chesney's staff, Kennedy spent four years at Florida as an assistant quarterbacks coach, offensive quality control coach, and graduate assistant. A mentor advised him to write handwritten letters to every coach he wanted to connect with.

Kennedy sent about 290 letters and received only two responses, one from Chesney. "When I was a young GA, one of my mentors he told me to write cards, handwritten notes to every coach that I wanted to create a connection with. And so, I ended up writing him (Chesney) a note a year before I linked on with him, and he was one of the few coaches that actually responded to me with another handwritten note, Kennedy said.

In his response, Chesney praised Kennedy and Florida's coaching staff: "Thanks for the note, and congrats on the fast start! You all are doing a great job and I love watching your team play, offensively especially. Keep it boiling.

Chesney also recognized two charities affiliated with Kennedy—Christmas in the City, founded by Kennedy's parents, and an ALS charity dedicated to his father, Jake Kennedy—and donated to both. A year later, Chesney hired Kennedy as quarterbacks coach at Holy Cross; Kennedy earned a promotion to offensive coordinator in 2023. The pair are now entering their first season together on UCLA's coaching staff.