CHIAVERINI NAMED HEAD FOOTBALL COACH FOR 2023 SEASON
Darrin Chiaverini has been named as the 2023 football coach of the Chaffey College Panthers, replacing Head Coach Robert Hadaway. Coach Chiaverini was named to the position by Dr. Timi Brown, Director of Kinesiology and Athletics, and has assumed the duties of head coach.
"I am excited to lead Chaffey Football into the next chapter of a great football tradition," said Coach Chiaverini. "Following in the footsteps of Coach Hadaway and Coach Beach, I have always respected the coaching job both men did at Chaffey College and look forward to competing for championships in the near future on Grigsby Field!"
Coach Chiaverini is new to Chaffey College having coached at four-year and community colleges since 2007. Chiaverini began his coaching career at Mt SAC where he spent two years before moving to NCAA DI UCLA. During his time at UCLA, he helped pilot one of the top units in the Pac-10 and the Bruins captured the Eagle Bank Bowl with a 30-21 win over Temple. He then returned to the community college level coaching four seasons Riverside City College.
Chiaverini spent the last six years at his alma mater, the University of Colorado, where he served in several positions including interim head coach. He earned his bachelor's degree in Communications in 1999. As a student-athlete, Chiaverini played all four years, was a team captain his senior season, and played on three bowl championship teams. He remains a Top 15 record holder for the Buffalos.
Upon graduation, he was a fifth-round selection by the Cleveland Browns, and went on to set the club's rookie receiving record with 44 catches for 487 yards and four touchdowns. He spent four years in the NFL, also playing for Dallas and Atlanta; concluding his NFL career with 62 catches for 662 yards and seven scores. He then finished his professional playing days with the Austin Wranglers in the Arena Football League.
Chiaverini expressed enthusiasm for the new position and for the challenges that lie ahead, "I am very thankful to the Governing Board, Dr. Shannon, and Dr. Brown for this opportunity," stated Chiaverini. "I am committed to Chaffey College and look forward to leading the football program forward," he added.
"Darrin brings an extensive background as a student-athlete, professional athlete, coach, and leader to our college," commented Dr. Brown. "We are thrilled that Darrin is a local product with extensive knowledge and vast reach in our district, which will serve him well in recruiting top local talent. He is a true team player who will collaborate and partner with the department, campus, and local community."
Coach Chiaverini replaces Robert Hadaway who held the lead position since 2013. In his nine seasons, Coach Hadaway captured three conference championships and took the Panthers to five bowl games. His 2018 and 2019 teams held the longest winning streak (21 games) in the state going undefeated in 2019. Prior to accepting the head coaching position, Hadaway served as assistant coach under Carl Beach. "Coach Hadaway is a true professional, an outstanding football coach, and friend to everyone in the athletics department," commented Dr. Brown. As a tenured professor of kinesiology at the college, Hadaway will continue with his teaching duties.
Panther Football will open the 2023 season on the road at LA Valley on Saturday, September 2nd. They will play their first home game of the season the following weekend against LA Pierce.
Panther football competes in the SCFA American Metro Conference along with West LA, Desert, Compton, Santa Ana, and Victor Valley. The program has more than a 130 year history dating back to the early days of the college; which celebrated its 140th anniversary this year. For more information on Panther Athletics please visit www.chaffeypanthers.com.