Published: 02:08 BST, 11 August 2026 | Updated: 02:27 BST, 11 August 2026
After revealing he's been approached by NFL teams about a possible return, retired quarterback Derek Carr is now headed to UCLA, where the 35-year-old will serve as a special advisor to head coach Bob Chesney.
'We are excited to welcome Derek to our program,' Chesney said in a team 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.'
After coaching James Madison for two successful seasons, Chesney is taking over a Bruins program that dismissed head coach Deshaun Foster after an 0-3 start in 2025. Interim head coach Tim Skipper would go 3-6 the rest of the way while highly recruited quarterback and Tennessee transfer Nico Iamaleava had an up-and-down season.
Iamaleava is slated to be back under center for UCLA in 2026, this time with his brother Madden serving as his backup, but it's anyone's guess if the Bruins can take the next step in a crowded Big 10. The Bruins open their season on September 5 in Berkeley against the Cal Bears.
Carr played college football at Fresno State under offensive assistant Darrick Yray, who now serves as the Bruins general manager.
After revealing he's been approached by NFL teams about a return, retired QB Derek Carr is now headed to UCLA, where the 35-year-old will serve as a special advisor to Bob Chesney
After coaching James Madison for two successful seasons, Chesney (pictured) is taking over a Bruins program that dismissed head coach Deshaun Foster after an 0-3 start in 2025
'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.'
Carr, who earned $205million and four Pro-Bowl selections throughout his 10-year career, shocked fans by hanging up his cleats in May 2025 due to a lingering shoulder injury.
Despite his health concerns, teams have checked in on his future plans, he recently revealed.
'I never say never,' Carr told the NFL Network on Friday when asked about coming out of retirement. 'It would take a special situation.
'There were multiple teams that reached out to me this offseason. I won't say who or how, but they reached out and were gauging my interest on what I wanted to do. They were good, solid football teams.'
If he is to return to the NFL, the former Raiders and Saints signal caller wants to join a team with realistic ambitions of winning the Super Bowl.
