UCLA adds former Pro Bowl QB Derek Carr as volunteer coach

If you can add a four-time Pro Bowler to your coaching staff for free, you do it.

That’s the fortunate situation UCLA finds itself in after announcing the addition of former NFL quarterback Derek Carr in a volunteer role as a special advisor to coach Bob Chesney.

The former Fresno State star who spent nine of his 11 NFL seasons with the Oakland and Las Vegas Raiders before retiring in the spring of 2025 will help Chesney and the Bruins’ offensive staff with game-planning strategy in addition to working with the quarterbacks.

That means starting QB Nico Iamaleava and backups Madden Iamaleava, Ty Dieffenbach, Colton Gumino and DJ Bordeaux will be working with one of the best quarterbacks to ever play on the West Coast.

“We are excited to welcome Derek to our program,” Chesney said in a statement. “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.

“What stands out most is his passion for the game and his commitment to developing young people. Derek will have a tremendous impact on our players and is a great addition to our program.”

Carr has a connection to the UCLA staff in general manager Darrick Yray, who overlapped with Carr at Fresno State when Yray served as an offensive assistant and assistant director of football operations from 2008-14.

During his four seasons at Fresno State, Carr passed for 12,843 yards and 113 touchdowns while setting 27 school and 21 Mountain West Conference records. A two-time All-American, Carr won the 2013 Sammy Baugh Trophy as the nation’s top passer and had his No. 4 jersey retired by his alma mater.

“I’ve known Darrick for a long time and have great respect for the work he’s done throughout his career,” Carr said. “The opportunity to help coach Chesney, the staff and the quarterbacks at UCLA was one that really excited me. I’m looking forward to sharing my experiences and helping support the program in any way I can.”

A second-round selection in the 2014 NFL draft, Carr went on to finish his pro career with 41,245 passing yards and 257 touchdown passes. He remains the Raiders’ all-time leader in passing yards, passing touchdowns and completions.

Now he’ll try to help revive a UCLA program that hasn’t played in a major bowl game for more than a quarter of a century.