New Texas Tech Coach Appeared in ‘The Longest Yard’

Aug 30, 2013; Dallas, TX, USA; Southern Methodist Mustangs kicker Chase Hover (42) kicks a 51 yard field goal at the end of the second quarter of the game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Gerald J. Ford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

The Texas Tech coaching staff has a lot to offer recruits. Youth, enthusiasm, NFL experience, and of course, #swag.

Add ‘movie star’ to the list with last night’s hiring of Special Teams Coordinator Darrin Chiaverini, who appeared in the Adam Sandler version of The Longest Yard.

Here’s an excerpt from a 2005 column on cubuffs.com (Chiaverini is a CU alumnus):

"Darrin Chiaverini, who lettered four years at wide receiver for the Buffaloes between 1995 and 1998, had a big role playing receiver for the guards team in the remake of The Longest Yard, currently in theatres and starring Adam Sandler. The movie, an update of the 1974 classic that starred Burt Reynolds and Eddie Albert among others, pits the inmates at a prison against the guards. Chiaverini actually helped tutor Sandler on a few of the intricacies of the game, especially on catching the football (which Sandler did on a few trick plays as he was the quarterback for the prisoners)."

Follow the link and checkout a photo of Chiaverini in uniform wearing No. 86 for the guards’ team.

His cameo in TLY, as cool as it is, is a minor entry in Chiaverini’s long and impressive resume. Prior to his Hollywood and coaching careers, Chiaverini spent four years in the NFL as a member of the Browns, Cowboys and Falcons.

After hanging up his cleats in 2006 following a stint in the Arena League, Chiaverini spent two years as an assistant coach at Mt. San Antonio College, then a year with UCLA as special teams coordinator. He’s since spent the last four years at Riverside Community College as associate head coach, recruiting coordinator and special teams coach.

While at Riverside, Chiaverini coached the Tigers to two Central Division Championships. After the 2011 season, 15 Riverside players received Division I scholarships, including Tech’s own SaDale Foster, Bruce Jones and Will Smith. All-Big 12 linebacker Eddie Lackey (Baylor) was also a Riverside product.

No doubt Chiaverini has a lot to offer Tech’s program on the field and recruiting trail. Great hire by coach Kingsbury.