Retired quarterback Derek Carr has announced a significant new role in the football world, accepting a position as a special advisor to head coach Bob Chesney at UCLA. This decision comes after Carr revealed that multiple NFL teams had reached out to him regarding a potential return to professional play. The 35-year-old, who officially retired in May 2025, will now lend his extensive experience to the Bruins’ coaching staff and student-athletes.
Carr’s New Role at UCLA
UCLA’s new head coach, Bob Chesney, expressed enthusiasm about Carr’s addition to the program. “We are excited to welcome Derek to our program,” Chesney stated. “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.” Chesney highlighted Carr’s passion for the game and dedication to developing young individuals as key attributes that will benefit the UCLA players.
Carr himself shared his eagerness to contribute. “I’ve known Darrick [Yray, Bruins General Manager] for a long time and have great respect for the work he’s done throughout his career,” Carr commented. “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’s connection to UCLA is further strengthened by his history with Darrick Yray, who was an offensive assistant at Fresno State when Carr played college football there.
NFL Interest and Retirement Decision
Despite stepping away from the NFL due to a lingering shoulder injury, Carr has not been entirely out of the league’s mind. He recently disclosed that several NFL teams contacted him this past offseason to gauge his interest in a comeback. “I never say never,” Carr told the NFL Network. “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.”
Carr, who amassed $205 million and four Pro Bowl selections over a 10-year career, made the surprising decision to retire in May 2025. This move meant forfeiting a $30 million guaranteed salary for the 2025 season with the New Orleans Saints, though he did receive a $10 million roster bonus. The consideration of playing through his shoulder injury and undergoing surgery was weighed before he ultimately decided to end his playing career.
For Carr, any potential return to the NFL would hinge on joining a team with genuine Super Bowl aspirations. “I’m just at the point where I just want to win. I want to win,” he explained. “So if I were to do it, it would have to be a special team that maybe lost somebody or needed somebody, but even then, it’s not guaranteed.” He also emphasized his current contentment with family life and recreational pursuits like golf, suggesting that a return would require a truly exceptional circumstance.
Carr’s NFL Career and Legacy
Throughout his 11 seasons in the NFL, Carr posted a 77-92 record as a starter, throwing for 41,245 yards and 257 touchdowns against 112 interceptions. His career completion rate of 65.1 percent places him in a tie with Aaron Rodgers for 20th all-time. His decision to retire means that the 2026 NFL season will be the first since 2001 without either Derek Carr or his older brother, David Carr, on a league roster. David Carr, the first overall pick in the 2002 NFL Draft, is now an analyst for the NFL Network.
UCLA’s Football Program Outlook
Carr’s arrival at UCLA coincides with a period of transition for the Bruins’ football program. Bob Chesney takes over as head coach after a challenging 2025 season where the team dismissed Deshaun Foster following an 0-3 start. Interim head coach Tim Skipper led the team to a 3-6 record for the remainder of the season. The team’s highly recruited quarterback, Nico Iamaleava, who transferred from Tennessee, experienced an inconsistent season. Iamaleava is expected to return as the starting quarterback in 2026, with his brother Madden set to serve as his backup. The Bruins are preparing to compete in the Big Ten conference, facing a competitive landscape as they open their season on September 5 against the Cal Bears in Berkeley.
Conclusion
While the door to an NFL return remains slightly ajar for Derek Carr under specific conditions, his immediate future is dedicated to developing young talent at UCLA. His extensive NFL experience and leadership qualities are poised to make a significant impact on the Bruins’ program as they navigate a new conference and aim for greater success.
