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In a tweet on Wednesday, former NFL linebacker Jamar Chaney announced he will be an coaching assistant for the Kansas City Chiefs in 2020.
Honored to be chosen by @Chiefs for the 2020 Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship. Special thanks to @Coach_Leach for the support in allowing me to participate. Excited to gain hands-on experience & learn from the staff of the Super Bowl Champs, to bring back to @HailStateFB. pic.twitter.com/X0GZGDuB6A
— Jamar Chaney (@Jamar51Chaney) July 21, 2020
While you might not be familiar with Chaney, a quick look at his resume will reveal why is is joining the Chiefs through the program that gives minority coaching candidates an opportunity to gain experience with NFL teams.
A graduate of Mississippi State — from which no fewer than four current Chiefs matriculated — Chaney was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2010 during head coach Andy Reid’s tenure. After Reid’s departure for Kansas City, Chaney spent time with the Atlanta Falcons, Denver Broncos and Oakland Raiders before retiring after the 2014 season.
He then became head football coach of St. Lucie West Centennial High School in Florida — his alma mater — before returning to Mississippi State in 2019, where he now serves as Assistant Director of Player Personnel with Bulldogs head coach Mike Leach.
Last season, 171 individuals received NFL coaching experience through the program — including six with Kansas City: former Chiefs linebacker Shawn Barber, Jarrod James, Skylor Magee, Lawal McCray, Denarius McGhee and former San Diego Chargers running back Natrone Means. Four current and former NFL coaches — including Hue Jackson, Marvin Lewis, Anthony Lynn and Mike Tomlin — have benefited from Bill Walsh fellowships, as did former Chiefs defensive backs coach Al Harris.