Handwritten note connects Dean Kennedy and Bob Chesney for coaching success

In the United States, Dean Kennedy, the offensive coordinator at UCLA, has a long-standing professional relationship with head coach Bob Chesney. Their connection began years ago when Kennedy was a graduate assistant coach at Florida. Following advice from a mentor, Kennedy wrote handwritten letters to various coaches to establish connections in the coaching community. Out of approximately 290 letters sent, he received only two responses, one of which was from Chesney. This response included praise for Kennedy's work and a personal touch, as it was also a handwritten note. Chesney's letter acknowledged the efforts of Kennedy and the Florida coaching staff, expressing admiration for their offensive play. A year later, Chesney hired Kennedy as a quarterbacks coach at Holy Cross, where Kennedy quickly advanced to offensive coordinator in his second season in 2023. Chesney's generosity extended beyond professional support; he also donated to two charities associated with Kennedy's family, showcasing his character and commitment to helping others. This initial connection through a simple handwritten note has now led to both coaches working together at UCLA, marking a new chapter in their careers as they aim to achieve success on the field together.