Report: Former Colorado assistant Darrin Chiaverini named new Northeastern State head coach

Former Colorado assistant Darrin Chiaverini is reportedly the next head coach at Northeastern State (Okla.), according to The Athletic’s Bruce Feldman.

“SOURCE: Former Colorado assistant Darrin Chiaverini is expected to be the next head coach at D2 Northeastern State in Oklahoma,” Feldman wrote on Twitter. “The former Buffs star led Chaffey College to an undefeated season in his debut season at the California JC.  @zach_barnett first reported the move.”

Chiaverini was not on Deion Sanders’ staff at Colorado, instead he spent the last two seasons as an offensive analyst at UCLA under Chip Kelly. Earlier this year, he took the job at Chaffey College and led them to an undefeated season.

Chiaverini later released a statement on the move to Northeastern State.

“Life update: Excited to announce that I’ve accepted the Head Coach position at Northeastern State University!,” Chiaverini wrote on Twitter. “Thank you to Chaffey College and our players and staff. Finishing 11-0 American Division & Bowl Champions!! Time to build a Championship Culture at NSU!!”

Chiaverini coached at Colorado, his alma mater, from 2016-21 in a variety of roles such as offensive coordinator, wide receiver’s coach, recruiting coordinator and the interim head coach.

He began his coaching career in 2007 at Mt. San Antonio College, joined UCLA in 2009 and had stops at Riverside City College and Texas Tech before returning to Colorado.

Chiaverini played at Colorado for four seasons and was one of the best playmakers as a senior. During the 1998 campaign, he had 52 catches for 630 yards and five touchdowns.

Chiaverini finished his college career with 97 catches (7th in school history), 1,199 yards and six touchdowns. It was in 1998 he won the inaugural Buffalo Heart Award which is given to the player that “best demonstrates grit, determination and toughness.”

He was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round of the 1999 NFL Draft and played for the team for two seasons. Chiaverini also had stints with the Dallas Cowboys (2001) and Atlanta Falcons (2002) before playing for the Austin Wrangers (2004-06) of the Arena Football League.

Northeastern State payed in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association and was a member since 2012. The River Hawks have some history, winning two national titles (1958 an ’94).

Moving forward, Northeastern State is set to be an independent Division II program beginning in August of 2024.

Chiaverini will replace former head coach JJ Eckert, who went 5-40 in five seasons.