| John Chavis | |
|---|---|
| Sport(s) | Football |
| Current position | |
| Title | Defensive coordinator |
| Team | LSU |
| Conference | SEC |
| Biographical details | |
| Born | October 16, 1956 |
| Place of birth | Dillon, South Carolina |
| Playing career | |
| 1976–1978 | Tennessee |
| Position(s) | Middle guard |
| Coaching career (HC unless noted) | |
| 1979 1980-1983 1984–1985 1986–1988 1989–1994 1995–2008 2009–present |
Tennessee (assistant) Alabama A&M (assistant) Alabama State (DC) Alabama A&M (DC) Tennessee (assistant) Tennessee (DC) LSU (DC) |
Johnny "John" Chavis (born October 16, 1956), nicknamed "The Chief", is the current defensive coordinator of the LSU Tigers football team and former defensive coordinator, linebacker coach, and associate head coach at the University of Tennessee.
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Before returning to Tennessee, Chavis had been defensive coordinator at Alabama A&M an historically Black university. There he led the Defense of the Division II school to the best defensive record in the nation. The Bulldogs ranked first in total defense in 1987 and 1988.
Before taking the defensive coordinator job at Alabama A&M, Chavis coached as a graduate assistant at Tennessee in 1979, as defensive line coach at Alabama A&M from 1980–83 and then as defensive line coach and defensive coordinator at Alabama State in 1984-85.
"I look at their defense. Coach Chavis, he's done a great job for a long time." - Charlie Weis (Notre Dame Head Coach)[1]
Chavis and then Florida Defensive Coordinator Bob Stoops are credited with bringing the "Zone Blitz" into College Football in the mid to late 90's.
Named defensive coordinator at UT in 1995, Chavis has gained recognition as a defensive guru the old-fashioned way—by building hard-nosed teams that have helped Tennessee rank among the stingiest in college football.[2]
"John has been and will continue to be a vital cog in all we do," head coach Phillip Fulmer said. "His leadership, intense work ethic and loyalty have been key to our success over the years."
Following the national championship season of 1998, Chavis was named the SEC's outstanding linebacker coach. Tennessee's defense led the SEC in 1996 and ranked in the top three five of the past seven years.
In addition to supervising linebackers and the overall defense, Chavis in 1999 was named assistant head coach.
Chavis was hired by Johnny Majors, one of the coaches he played for in college. Chavis has divided his responsibilities between the defensive line and linebacker corps since returning to his alma mater 16 years ago. In 1989, Chavis coached the defensive line, primarily the defensive tackles. Then in 1990, to help accommodate additions to the defensive staff, he made the switch to linebacker coach.
Phillip Fulmer promoted Chavis to defensive coordinator prior to 1995. The hire was criticized at the time, and received continued criticism until the defense performed well during the 1998 National Championship season. This season Chavis begins his 19th year with the Vols.
Following the 2006 season, Chavis was named as the Assistant Football Coach of the Year by the American Football Coaches Association.[3]
Chavis and other members of the staff have seen increased pressure after a slow start to the 2007 season, including double-digit losses to California and Florida.
Chavis's career at Tennessee came to an end in the middle of the 2008 season. Following a 3-6 start and a blowout loss to Steve Spurrier and South Carolina, Phillip Fulmer announced the following Monday that he, at the University's decision, would step down as head coach. Fulmer's resignation would ultimately oust Chavis as defensive coordinator. Chavis's final three games would bring confidence but major disappointment to his final days with UT, starting with an embarrassing 13-7 loss to Wyoming which would keep UT from making a bowl for the second time in four years. Chavis would win his final game at UT against the University of Kentucky, 28-10, continuing a 24 game win streak against the Wildcats.
On 29 December 2008 at approximately 9:50am CT, the website TigerDroppings.com [4] reported that a deal had been done with Chavis to become the new defensive coordinator for the LSU Tigers.
Chavis came to UT as a walk-on defensive lineman and later was granted a scholarship on the basis of his play at middle guard and tackle. He played for both Bill Battle and Johnny Majors. He lettered in 1977 and 1978 and received his degree from the College of Education in 1979. Chavis became a starter for the Tennessee Defense during his senior season. Chavis is a native of Dillon, SC.
The following is an incomplete list of defensive players who were drafted into the NFL, or who made an NFL Roster since Chavis took over as Defensive Coordinator in 1995:
He and his wife, Diane Crisp Chavis, are the parents of two sons, C. John Chavis (age 31) married to Sandra Lee Chavis and Jason Chavis (age 29).
| Sporting positions | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Bradley Dale Peveto/ Doug Mallory co-defensive coordinators |
LSU Tigers defensive coordinator 2009–present |
Succeeded by current |
| Preceded by Larry Marmie |
Tennessee Volunteers defensive coordinator 1995–2008 |
Succeeded by Monte Kiffin |
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