Scott Chandler

Published May 16, 2007 10:31 pm - MOULTRIE - Scott Chandler is well aware of the job he faces.The new Colquitt County High defensive coordinator takes over a unit that was last in both rushing defense and total defense last year when the Packers finished 6-4 and missed the state playoffs.Only three defensive starters return and, as Chandler noted on Wednesday following the Packers eighth spring practice session, "We've got a lot of guys who weren't even backups last year."But Chandler sounds as if the situation is not as dire as it may appear.

Chandler faces big challenge
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MOULTRIE - Scott Chandler is well aware of the job he faces.

The new Colquitt County High defensive coordinator takes over a unit that was last in both rushing defense and total defense last year when the Packers finished 6-4 and missed the state playoffs.

Only three defensive starters return and, as Chandler noted on Wednesday following the Packers eighth spring practice session, "We've got a lot of guys who weren't even backups last year."

But Chandler sounds as if the situation is not as dire as it may appear.

"We've got a lot of kids who like to run around and hit, want to play and do the right things," he said."If you've got that, you've got half the battle won."

Chandler, who was the head coach of the Rome Renegades of the American Indoor Football League the last two seasons, has been at Colquitt County High since February and has become familiar with his players.

He has watched them in the weight room and now on the field and is helping them learn a different defense.

The team will play what is known as either a 3-3 stack or a 3-5.

"It's different," Chandler said."But it fits our personnel.We've got more safety/linebacker types who can run and hit.

"We want to utilize that strength."

Chandler should know his defense, an area of the game he first learned as a player at Lakeview High in Fort Oglethorpe and then honed at coaching stints at high schools in Georgia, Florida and Texas and at Kansas State, Emporia State and Valdosta State.

While a graduate assistant at Kansas State, he worked with current Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops and current South Florida coach Jim Leavitt, who were the team's co-defensive coordinators.

From 2002-2004, he was the head coach at Coosa High in Rome, leading the Eagles to a combined record of 20-14.His 2004 team went 10-3 and won the school's first playoff game since 1969.

When the Renegades folded after last season, he decided to get back to high school coaching.The Packers job came open when Bill Ragans, who had been the coordinator the last two season, left to go Leon High in Tallahassee, where he has been named head coach.

Packers head coach Tim Cokely calls Chandler "a teacher," and Chandler says instruction never stops.

Chandler will assume the role of Rebels general manager immediately.The Rebels (6-4) are currently in third place in the AIFL's Southern Conference.Prior to joining the Renegades last season, Chandler was the head coach at Coosa High School, where he led the Eagles to two playoff appearances, and the state quarterfinals in 2004.

Head Coach: Scott Chandler

The list includes Lowndes offensive coordinator Rob Armstrong, Valdosta co-defensive coordinator Richie Marsh, Irwin County head coach Jute Wilson, Laney head coach Eric Parker, Coosa High School head coach Scott Chandler and former East Carolina defensive coordinator Jerry Odom Jr.
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Chandler led Coosa to a 10-3 record last year, the first time the Eagles have won a playoff game since 1969.Before arriving at Coosa, Chandler was the defensive coordinator at Wayne County High School from 2000-02.He served as special teams coordinator and secondary coach at Valdosta State from 1997-2000.Chandlerâ€s also been an assistant at St. Augustine High in St. Augustine, Fla., Emporia State University in Emporia, Kan., Copperas Cove High School in Copperas Cove, Texas, Kansas State University, Palm Beach Lakes High School in West Palm Beach, Fla., and Ringgold High School.

Cokely said the board also will be asked to approve former Coosa head football coach Scott Chandler to replace Bill Ragans as defensive coordinator.
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Chandler was the head coach of the Class AA school in Rome from 2002-2004.He was the coach of the Rome Renegades of the American Indoor Football League the last two years.

Along with the three finalists, Lowndes offensive coordinator Rob Armstrong, Irwin County head coach Jute Wilson and Coosa head coach Scott Chandler were also considered.

The list includes Lowndes offensive coordinator Rob Armstrong, Valdosta co-defensive coordinator Richard Marsh, Irwin County head coach Jute Wilson, Laney head coach Eric Parker, Coosa High School head coach Scott Chandler and former East Carolina defensive coordinator Jerry Odom Jr. All were interviewed by Thomasville principal Tom McCall and his selection committee.
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Chandler led Coosa to a 10-3 record last year, the first time the Eagles have won a playoff game since 1969.Before arriving at Coosa, Chandler was the defensive coordinator at Wayne County High School from 2000-02.He served as special teams coordinator and secondary coach at Valdosta State from 1997-2000.Chandlerâ€s also been an assistant at St. Augustine High in St. Augustine, Fla., Emporia State University in Emporia, Kan., Copperas Cove High School in Copperas Cove, Texas, Kansas State University, Palm Beach Lakes High School in West Palm Beach, Fla., and Ringgold High School.

Defnesive Coordinator - Scott Chandler

Scott Chandler begins his first year as defensive coordinator at Wayne County High School.Chandler brings 13 years of coaching experience with him at the collegiate and high school levels.His most recent collegiate experience is Valdosta State as Secondary Coach and Special Teams Coordinator, where he was part of a defense that ranked in the top of the ocnference and nation in toal defense and pass defense.Chandler also had stops at Emporia State as Co-defensive Coordinator and Kansas State as a graduate assistant under Bobby Stoops, which included a trip to the Copper Bowl.He spent most of his high school coaching career in Florida as Defensive Coordinator at Palm Beach Lakes High School and St. Augustine High School, but also coached in Georgia at Ringgodl High School, and as Defensive Coordinator at Cooperas Cove High School in Texas.

Chandler is a native of Ft.Oglethorpe, Georgia where he attended Lakeview Ft.Oglethorpe High School.He is a graduate of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, and is currently pursuing a master's degree.Chandler married the former Tammy Staples of Ft.Lauderdale, Florida, and they have two daughers, Sarah (5) and Emilee (2).