Florida analyst Jamar Chaney leaving Gators for on-field job
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida Gators defensive analyst Jamar Chaney is leaving the program for a new job, On3’s Matt Zenitz reported Tuesday night. Chaney will be joining the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers as their linebackers coach, per Zenitz.
Gators Online’s Corey Bender has since confirmed the news as well.
Chaney played for four different teams over five years in the NFL. After he retired from playing he returned to Florida, where he became the head coach at his old high school, St. Lucie West Centennial HS. He led the program to its first playoff appearance in seven years. Chaney joined Dan Mullen’s staff in 2019 as the Assistant director of player personnel. That lasted just one season.
A former Mississippi State linebacker, Chaney made his return to Starkville in 2020 and has spent two seasons as the Bulldogs’ defensive analyst. He played for Mississippi State from 2005-09, where he earned All-SEC honors as a junior in 2007. He recorded 286 tackles (15.5 for loss) and six sacks in his career.
The Philadelphia Eagles selected him in the seventh round in 2010 and enjoyed a five-year pro career.
He was part of a Mike Leach-led staff that directed the Bulldogs to a 7-5 record and Liberty Bowl bid this season. With Chaney as the senior defensive analyst, Mississippi State finished an impressive fourth in the SEC in total defense.
Chaney in Gainesville
Since returning to Gainesville in 2021, Chaney has worked closely with the linebackers. He was also part of the recruiting contingent that helped Napier pull together his first recruiting class. Because Napier didn’t have 10 on-field assistant coaches, he was able to take analysts on the road to recruit. Chaney had a reputation as a solid recruiter.
“Luckily for me Jamar Chaney…. I don’t know if y’all know about him or not, but Jamar Chaney played for Coach Mullen,” Former Florida offensive lineman Stewart Reese said. “We’re from the same area, grew up in the same area He put in a call to Coach Mullen and told him about me. Next day Coach Mullen was at the house for a visit. I committed, I think, the day after, a week after my official visit.”
The Gators will be back on the practice field, without Chaney, Thursday afternoon for their third practice of spring.
