Offensive coordinator Dean Kennedy has worked alongside head coach Bob Chesney for multiple years at Holy Cross, James Madison and now UCLA. In a recent YouTube video by UCLA Athletics, Kennedy explained how he first met Chesney.

Before meeting Chesney, Kennedy spent four years coaching at Florida. He was an assistant quarterbacks coach, an offensive quality control coach and a graduate assistant.

One of Kennedy's mentors told him to write handwritten letters to every coach he wanted to connect with. He sent about 290 letters and only received two responses. One of those responses was 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.

Chesney praised Kennedy and the rest of Florida's coaching staff in the letter.

"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 wrote.

A year later, he hired Kennedy as a quarterbacks coach at Holy Cross. Then, Kennedy earned a promotion to offensive coordinator in his second season in 2023.

Chesney Donated to Two of Kennedy's Charities

In his response letter, Chesney also recognized two charities Kennedy was affiliated with. Kennedy's parents founded the Christmas in the City charity, then his siblings founded an ALS charity dedicated to Kennedy's father, Jake Kennedy.

Chesney donated to both of those charities.

Kennedy explained how Chesney's generosity towards someone he had never met showed him what kind of person Chesney was. Now, the pair are entering their first season on UCLA's coaching staff together.