There’s a theme with the first four UCLA Bruins to enter the transfer portal. They’re all defensive backs. Nothing has been announced by the program but it certainly makes it seem that passing game coordinator/secondary coach Demetrice Martin will not be retained by new head coach Bob Chesney.
Demetrice Martin is from Pasadena and has served two stints with UCLA
Martin is in his second stint with the Bruins, being hired by DeShaun Foster following the 2024 season after being a part of the Jim Mora coaching staff from 2012-2017. Martin was born in Pasadena so it’s almost fitting that his tenure with UCLA may coincide with the Rose Bowl, with the Bruins looking to host home games at SoFi Stadium moving forward.
No announcement has been made but the writing is on the wall
There is yet to be any announcements about Chesney’s coaching staff but the mass departures from the secondary is as clear of a sign that we have, with Chesney remaining with James Madison for their Sun Belt Conference championship game.
UCLA’s defense fared better against the pass in 2025
UCLA’s defense was better against the pass than it was against the run, ranking eighth in the Big Ten in passing yards allowed compared to 17th against the run. UCLA defense improved as the season went along, struggling mightily under former defensive coordinator Ikaika Malloe before seeing improvements under Kevin Coyle.
Martin has gotten plenty of West Coast experience
UCLA has been of many stops for Martin, as he’s coached for USC, Washington, Oregon, Arizona, Colorado and Michigan State at the FBS level. There’s a chance he’ll remain in his role under Chesney but the mass exodus makes it seem that Chesney has a different plan.
Martin’s son is one of the Bruins in the portal
One of the transfers is Martin’s son, Cole Martin, who entered the transfer portal earlier this week and will have two more years of eligibility remaining. There’s a chance that Cole Martin will end up with his father once again to wrap up his college career.
This article originally appeared on UCLA Wire: Does Bob Chesney plan on bringing in a new secondary coach for UCLA?
Reporting by Dylan McNeill, UCLA Wire / UCLA Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
