UCLA to retain A.J. Steward as running backs coach

Bob Chesney is beginning to fill out his staff that will be with him at UCLA. One holdover from the team last year will be A.J. Steward who coaches the running backs. He has a very lengthy college coaching career that goes back to 2012. Having multiple stops along the way at BYU, Oregon State, Arizona, Rice, Baylor and Kansas. Before ultimately ending up at UCLA for the 2025 season. Steward used a four man backfield this past season as the offensive line had trouble creating holes for guys to run.

Anthony Woods, Jaivian Thomas, Jalen Berger and Anthony Frias II all saw time in the backfield. Each were unique in their own ways. Whether it was power running or speed running. With Steward having many years of experience at the college level. He has seen all sorts of running backs and the continuity he has here will help. It’s possible that Chesney likes Woods or Thomas or even both. Then in that case he sees Steward as a good option to keep them around.

No matter how much of a seasoned coach you are. You are not going to be able to bring in an entire staff to replace every position. There are going to be holdovers with every team. Steward is a guy that is a good one for Chesney. With player favorites on the way out such as Jerry Neuheisel and most likely Demetrice Martin with all the corners hitting the portal. You have to pick and choose who you think will buy in to a new culture and embrace a new head coach.

One order of business that Steward could possibly play a big role on. Helping bring Wayne Knight to play for the Bruins. Teaming up with Chesney to see him on the opportunity of what he can do in the UCLA offense. Knight was a star at James Madison and could really help the Bruins offense. Using him with a power back and spelling out Thomas could make for some fun gadget plays. Steward was a good one to keep around and we believe he will be even better in year two.