SDS will look at new assistant coaches around the SEC, highlighting their accomplishments, achievements, history and tough tasks ahead of them. Today we’ll examine Texas A&M defensive coordinator John Chavis.

JOHN CHAVIS, TEXAS A&M DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR

Coaching History

  • 2015 Texas A&M defensive coordinator
  • 2009-14 LSU defensive coordinator
  • 1995-2008 Tennessee defensive coordinator/linebackers coach
  • 1989-94 Tennessee defensive line/linebackers coach
  • 1986-88 Alabama A&M defensive coordinator
  • 1984-85 Alabama State defensive coordinator
  • 1980-83 Alabama A&M defensive line coach
  • 1979 Tennessee graduate assistant

Working on four decades as an SEC defensive coach, the man known as The Chief is one of the most respected teachers in the conference.

He went through an offseason fraught with drama and change, unusual for someone who spent 20 years at Tennessee, leaving only when the Phillip Fulmer era ended in Knoxville.

As some behind-the-scenes grumblings emerged at LSU, Chavis bolted for Texas A&M almost immediately after the Tigers lost the Music City Bowl. Various reports pointed to head coach Les Miles’ buddy-buddy routine with third-year offensive coordinator Cam Cameron (and the team’s lethargic offense), LSU’s unwillingness to meet a few of Chavis’ contract demands or A&M’s huge contract offer.

At any rate, the man who churned out as much or more NFL defensive talent than any other coach in the country during his six seasons in Baton Rouge now will try to serve as a lifeline for Kevin Sumlin and the Aggies.

Though Chavis’ LSU defenses produced consistent pro talent at every position, he’s proven particularly adept at developing quick-twitch, sometimes “undersized” defensive linemen. That’s good news for the Aggies with true sophomore pass rusher Myles Garrett and incoming five-star defensive tackle Daylon Mack.

Developing young talent like Armani Watts, Josh Walker and Otaro Alaka could help TAMU’s defense improve immediately. Don’t expect an LSU-like unit in ’15, but it’s possible, and even likely, that the group transforms from major liability into an asset.

An Xs and Os mastermind, Chavis isn’t a recruiter, which is fine with Texas A&M. The Aggies consistently rake in Top 15 recruiting classes and churn out potent offenses, but haven’t been able to develop the defensive players to provide adequate support.

“You talk to people in the coaching profession and you find out very quickly what a great reputation John has,” the former Vols coach Fulmer recently told The Tennessean. “He’s a bright guy who stays ahead of the game. He did a fantastic job for me and he’s done a fantastic job at LSU.”

Chavis’ LSU defenses finished no worse than third in the SEC in yards per game from 2010-14. The words “tough,” “physical” and “intense” hover around his defenses like bees on a honey pot, which is exciting for Aggies fans.

He’s not going to be a media sensation or bolt for a head coaching job. But he’s one of the best and most consistent defensive coordinators in the country.

“John’s strength is the day-to-day work of coaching — dealing directly with players in meetings and on the practice field, teaching, motivating, doing all the little things,” Doug Mathews, a former Vols assistant coach and now a Nashville businessman and sports radio host, told the Tennessean. “As an assistant coach, you can’t beat him.”