Legendary Temple University Men’s Basketball Coach John Chaney passed away at 89 yesterday. Chaney coached for 24 seasons at Temple and led his team to 17 NCAA tournament appearances, where he made the Elite 8 round on five occasions. On the court, we knew Chaney for his intense coaching style. He was a powerful leader that understood the proper dynamics of a successful basketball team. We also knew him for being a zone defense innovator, after creating the matchup defense. This defense involves man to man principles, however you only match up whenever a player is in your area. We find this strategy to be effective because it often confuses the opposing team with its ambiguity and prevents their offense from getting into rhythm. 

Off the court, Chaney was a father figure to many and became a powerful advocate for helping African-American youth in impoverished situations improve their futures through education. Chaney grew up in the south in the 1930s, during a time when black people didn’t have many opportunities. He grew up very poor and never imagined his life becoming of any significance until he moved to Philadelphia in the 8th grade. Philadelphia was a better place for Chaney to go to school, make friends, and build confidence. This new home changed his life, and he saw the significant impact that a quality education and warm environment could make on kids, which made him want to always give back to the community. Current Temple Men’s Basketball coach Aaron McKie played for Chaney from 1991 to 1994 and spoke after hearing the news about how much of a role model his former coach was. “Coach Chaney was like a father to me. He not only taught his players how to succeed on the court, but he taught us life lessons to make us better individuals off the court,” Mckie said. 

Chaney was also loved and well respected by his coaching peers. Duke University Men’s Basketball Coach Mike Krzyzewski called Chaney one of college basketball’s “giants” and said he was a “great friend and remarkable leader.” 

The basketball community will forever remember Chaney as an African-American coaching pioneer that coached with fire, passion and a pure love for the game. He made a lasting impact on the lives of his players and they will continue to remember all the lessons he taught them about not just basketball, but life. When asked how he wanted to be remembered in 2019, Chaney told The Athletic “as somebody who cared.” 

“That’s what we need more of these days, caring for others,” Chaney said.