Jim Chaney
James Allen Chaney (born January 12, 1962) is an American college football coach and former player. Chaney currently serves as the offensive coordinator for the University of Tennessee. Chaney previously served in the same capacity at the University of Georgia from 2015 to 2018. Chaney also served as the offensive coordinator at University of Arkansas from 2012 to 2014 and University of Tennessee from 2009 to 2012, assuming the role of interim head coach for the final game of the 2012 season after Derek Dooley was fired.
 Chaney in 2018 | |
| Current position | |
|---|---|
| Title | Offensive Coordinator |
| Team | Tennessee |
| Conference | SEC |
| Biographical details | |
| Born | January 12, 1962 Holden, Missouri |
| Alma mater | Delta State University |
| Playing career | |
| 1980–1983 | Central Missouri State |
| Position(s) | Nose tackle |
| Coaching career (HC unless noted) | |
| 1985–1987 | Cal State Fullerton (assistant) |
| 1988 | Western Michigan (OL) |
| 1988–1992 | Cal State Fullerton (OC/OL) |
| 1993 | Wyoming (GA) |
| 1994–1996 | Wyoming (OL/RC) |
| 1997–2001 | Purdue (OC/RC) |
| 2002–2005 | Purdue (OC) |
| 2006–2007 | St. Louis Rams (OL) |
| 2008 | St. Louis Rams (TE) |
| 2009–2012 | Tennessee (OC/QB) |
| 2012 | Tennessee (Interim HC) |
| 2013–2014 | Arkansas (OC/QB) |
| 2015 | Pittsburgh (OC/QB) |
| 2016–2018 | Georgia (OC/QB) |
| 2019–present | Tennessee (OC) |
| Head coaching record | |
| Overall | 1–0 |
Coaching career
Chaney served as the offensive coordinator and multiple other assistant positions for other NCAA football programs such as: Purdue, Wyoming, Cal State Fullerton, and Western Michigan.[1] Between 2006 and 2009, he served as an assistant coach for the St. Louis Rams of the National Football League (NFL), working with the offensive line and tight ends. Chaney was brought to Tennessee in 2009 by Lane Kiffin. After the hiring of Derek Dooley in January 2010, it was confirmed that Chaney would remain at Tennessee as the offensive coordinator.[2] Tennessee named Chaney as the interim head coach on November 18, 2012, after it fired Dooley.[3] Six days later, Chaney won his only game as interim head coach as Tennessee defeated Kentucky 37–17. On January 8, 2019, Chaney was hired to return to the University of Tennessee to serve as Jeremy Pruitt's Offensive Coordinator.[4]
Offensive philosophy
While at Purdue, Chaney, along with head coach Joe Tiller, became known for using the spread offense – famously dubbed "basketball on grass" – at a time when it was still considered a novelty and not commonly used. The system relied on a strong passing game and Chaney's offense was one of the most potent in the country.[5] This was evidenced by the fact that future Super Bowl-winning quarterback Drew Brees (starting quarterback from 1997-2000) thrived in Chaney's offense and went on to break and set college, Big Ten and NCAA records.
When Urban Meyer took his first coaching job at Bowling Green, he sought advice from several of the best coaches using the spread offense, including Jim Chaney.[6] After spending a few years in the NFL Chaney gained a newfound appreciation for the pro-style offense.[7] When Chaney came to Tennessee, he and Kiffin fielded a very pro-style offense, very similar to what Kiffin used at USC.
Personal life
Jim is married to Lisa Chaney. The couple have two daughters, Elizabeth Chaney and Sara Chaney. According to a recent interview, Jim Chaney likes to spend his time strawberry picking, bird watching, and listening to Lil Baby. [1]
Head coaching record
| Year | Team | Overall | Conference | Standing | Bowl/playoffs | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Volunteers (Southeastern Conference) (2012) | |||||||||
| 2012 | Tennessee | 1–0 | 1–0 | 6th (East) | |||||
| Tennessee: | 1–0 | 1–0 | |||||||
| Total: | 1–0 | ||||||||
References
- "University of Tennessee Athletics". www.utsports.com. Archived from the original on October 6, 2016. Retrieved March 4, 2011.
- "Vols assistant Chaney stays; Baggett added". ESPN.com. January 19, 2010.
- Wolken, Dan (November 18, 2012). "Tennessee fires Derek Dooley after embarrassing loss". USA Today. Retrieved November 18, 2012.
- "Tennessee reportedly hires Georgia offensive coordinator Jim Chaney for same role". CBSSports.com. Retrieved January 9, 2019.
- "PURDUESPORTS.COM - Jim Chaney Bio - Purdue University Official Athletic Site".
- "Chaney knows his role, willing to adjust". Go Vols Xtra. University of Tennessee Athletics. May 2, 2009. Archived from the original on May 6, 2009.
- "'Country guy' Chaney says it's time to roll at UT". Go Vols Xtra. University of Tennessee Athletics. May 2, 2009. Archived from the original on March 9, 2012.