UCLA has announced the hiring of Derek Carr, former Saints and NFL quarterback, to the football program’s coaching staff. After retiring from the league ahead of the 2025 NFL season, Carr will now join the Bruins as a special advisor to head coach Bob Chesney.
Carr was drafted to the NFL by the then-Oakland Raiders in the second round of the 2014 draft out of Fresno State. The California native played collegiately with the Bulldogs before becoming the 36th overall selection.
Following a whirlwind time in Oakland and the current home of the Raiders, Las Vegas, Carr was released by the team following the 2022 season. The New Orleans Saints would eventually sign the QB out of free agency in an attempt to garner some veteran leadership at the position.
Unfortunately, Carr’s time in the Crescent City did not live up to the expectations of many as the team would manage just a 14-13 record in games played with Carr at quarterback. A severe shoulder injury sustained would eventually lead him to retire just before the 2025 NFL season kicked off meaning just 2 of his 11 pro seasons were spent with the Saints.
Derek Carr’s return to the college ranks in his home state will begin a new opportunity post-playing. His role will involve assisting Chesney along with the rest of the Bruins’ offensive staff with game planning and aiding in the development of UCLA’s QB room.
