PHILADELPHIA — John Chaney, one of the nation’s leading basketball coaches and a commanding figure during a Hall of Fame career at Temple, died Friday. He was 89.
He became a de facto father to dozens of his players, many coming to Temple from broken homes, violent upbringings and bad schools. He often said his biggest goal was simply to give poor kids a chance to get an education.“Coach Chaney was like a father to me,” said Temple coach Aaron McKie, who played for Chaney. “He taught not just me, but all of his players more than just how to succeed in basketball. He taught us life lessons to make us better individuals off the court. I owe so much to him.
In 1984, Chaney grabbed George Washington coach Gerry Gimelstob by the shoulders at halftime during a game. After losing to Michigan State in his last trip to the NCAA regional finals, in 2001, he was the same old John Chaney -- with water-filled eyes, wearing a tie torn open at the collar and waxing poetic about another missed chance at the Final Four.
He refused to load his schedules with easy teams, and instead traveled to hostile courts to play teams supposedly brimming with talent. He was outspoken about the NCAA’s recruiting rules, which he said hurt players trying to improve their standing in life. He was 50 and already had success at Cheyney State University, where he had a record of 225-59 in 10 seasons. He led Cheyney, in suburban Philadelphia, to the 1978 Division II national championship and was named Division II national coach of the year twice.
KentuckySports Media outlets and writers all reporting ' one of the greatest black coaches'. Why have to label black? Simply one of the greatest coaches. You create division.
RIP, John Chaney. Legendary coach. Class act. Great guy.
RIP LEGEND!
😥😥😥
BoggsSports His teams were fun to watch.
Temple vs UCONN back in the day
Rest in Peace, Sir🙏💜
Sadden to hear of his death. Death always reminds me of where I will be after I die. Do you know where you are going after you die? What is the Gospel Message?
When I first read this, I pictured DICK CHENEY...
puentemuniz RIP, John!
What a lost. I'm a Temple alumni. Chaney was a feared yet revered presence on campus. My roomate's boyfriend had practice at 5:30 AM, then straight to class, afternoon practice, mandatory study hour. Repeat. No time for foolishness RIP
Forever an OWL! TUMBBHoops
May he Rest in Peace
Damn.
Remove black coaches. He was one of the nation’s leading coaches
John Chaney was born with bags under his eyes and his sleeves rolled up. RIP
Another legend gone.