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Former NFL QB Derek Carr Joins UCLA Football Staff as Special Advisor
The University of California, Los Angeles announced on Monday that former NFL quarterback Derek Carr will serve as a special advisor to head coach Bob Chesney. Carr, who retired from professional play before the 2025 season, will help with offensive game‑planning and work with the Bruins’ quarterbacks.
Carr’s 11‑season career began when the Oakland Raiders selected him in the second round of the 2014 draft. He became the franchise’s all‑time leader in passing yards, touchdowns and completions. After a two‑year stint with the New Orleans Saints, he announced his retirement in May 2025 following a rotator‑cuff injury that limited his shoulder. In February 2026, reports surfaced that he was “very serious” about a comeback, and in July he said he would “never say never,” but that a special situation would be required. The new role at UCLA appears to put those comeback rumors to rest.
UCLA’s announcement included a statement from Chesney: “We are excited to welcome Derek to our program. He has played the quarterback position at a high level for more than a decade, and his experience, leadership and football knowledge will be an incredible resource for our coaching staff and student‑athletes.” The statement also noted Carr’s passion for the game and commitment to developing young people.
Carr’s connection to the Bruins extends beyond the new position. He played college ball at Fresno State from 2009 to 2013, earning first‑team All‑Mountain West honors twice. Darrick Yray, UCLA’s general manager, served as an offensive assistant and assistant director of football operations at Fresno State from 2008 to 2014, overlapping with Carr’s tenure. The two will therefore have a shared history that could aid Carr’s integration into the program.
Bob Chesney was hired as UCLA’s 20th head coach in December 2025 after a successful run at James Madison University. He brought several assistants from JMU to the Bruins, and the addition of Carr fits into his strategy of building a coaching staff with a mix of experience and fresh perspectives. Carr’s role will focus on offensive strategy and quarterback development, areas where his professional experience can translate directly to the collegiate level.
The move comes at a time when UCLA is adjusting to its new Big Ten affiliation and aiming to compete in a conference that includes former Pac‑12 rivals USC, Oregon and Washington. Carr’s arrival is expected to bolster the program’s offensive coaching depth and provide mentorship for the Bruins’ young quarterbacks.
Carr’s retirement was confirmed by the Saints organization in May 2025 after he reported pain in his right shoulder during training camp. The team released a statement that the injury made it impossible for him to continue at the NFL level. Carr’s decision to retire was described by the Saints as a difficult one, and the organization acknowledged the loss of a veteran leader.
With Carr now on the UCLA staff, the Bruins will have a former NFL quarterback who can offer insights into professional playbooks, game preparation and the mental aspects of the position. The addition is likely to be viewed positively by recruits and current players who seek guidance from someone who has competed at the highest level.
In summary, Derek Carr has transitioned from NFL retirement to a coaching role at UCLA, where he will advise head coach Bob Chesney and work with the quarterback group. The move follows Carr’s retirement announcement in May 2025 and the speculation about a possible comeback. The Bruins’ staff now includes a former professional player with a decade of experience, a connection to the program’s general manager through Fresno State, and a new focus on offensive development as the team prepares for competition in the Big Ten.
Carr’s 11‑season career began when the Oakland Raiders selected him in the second round of the 2014 draft. He became the franchise’s all‑time leader in passing yards, touchdowns and completions. After a two‑year stint with the New Orleans Saints, he announced his retirement in May 2025 following a rotator‑cuff injury that limited his shoulder. In February 2026, reports surfaced that he was “very serious” about a comeback, and in July he said he would “never say never,” but that a special situation would be required. The new role at UCLA appears to put those comeback rumors to rest.
UCLA’s announcement included a statement from Chesney: “We are excited to welcome Derek to our program. He has played the quarterback position at a high level for more than a decade, and his experience, leadership and football knowledge will be an incredible resource for our coaching staff and student‑athletes.” The statement also noted Carr’s passion for the game and commitment to developing young people.
Carr’s connection to the Bruins extends beyond the new position. He played college ball at Fresno State from 2009 to 2013, earning first‑team All‑Mountain West honors twice. Darrick Yray, UCLA’s general manager, served as an offensive assistant and assistant director of football operations at Fresno State from 2008 to 2014, overlapping with Carr’s tenure. The two will therefore have a shared history that could aid Carr’s integration into the program.
Bob Chesney was hired as UCLA’s 20th head coach in December 2025 after a successful run at James Madison University. He brought several assistants from JMU to the Bruins, and the addition of Carr fits into his strategy of building a coaching staff with a mix of experience and fresh perspectives. Carr’s role will focus on offensive strategy and quarterback development, areas where his professional experience can translate directly to the collegiate level.
The move comes at a time when UCLA is adjusting to its new Big Ten affiliation and aiming to compete in a conference that includes former Pac‑12 rivals USC, Oregon and Washington. Carr’s arrival is expected to bolster the program’s offensive coaching depth and provide mentorship for the Bruins’ young quarterbacks.
Carr’s retirement was confirmed by the Saints organization in May 2025 after he reported pain in his right shoulder during training camp. The team released a statement that the injury made it impossible for him to continue at the NFL level. Carr’s decision to retire was described by the Saints as a difficult one, and the organization acknowledged the loss of a veteran leader.
With Carr now on the UCLA staff, the Bruins will have a former NFL quarterback who can offer insights into professional playbooks, game preparation and the mental aspects of the position. The addition is likely to be viewed positively by recruits and current players who seek guidance from someone who has competed at the highest level.
In summary, Derek Carr has transitioned from NFL retirement to a coaching role at UCLA, where he will advise head coach Bob Chesney and work with the quarterback group. The move follows Carr’s retirement announcement in May 2025 and the speculation about a possible comeback. The Bruins’ staff now includes a former professional player with a decade of experience, a connection to the program’s general manager through Fresno State, and a new focus on offensive development as the team prepares for competition in the Big Ten.
