Boise State Retains Erik Chinander, Elevates him to Defensive Coordinator

LOS ANGELES – Boise State head coach Spencer Danielson announced Thursday that Erik Chinander will be retained on staff and will be elevated to the position of defensive coordinator while continuing to coach the defensive line. Chinander's new contract is subject to approval by the Idaho State Board of Education.

The deal, which was solidified this week, comes as the Broncos are in Los Angeles preparing for the Starco Brands LA Bowl Hosted by Gronk.

"I am really excited that Erik is taking the defensive coordinator role and staying at Boise State," Danielson said. "He has such a bright and innovative defensive mind, and truly is an elite teacher of the game. He focuses on the development of players on and off the field and is dedicated to building long-lasting relationships."

Chinander will enter his second year in the Treasure Valley with his new, elevated title, taking over the defensive play-calling duties following this week's bowl game.

"It is a wonderful opportunity to take on this new role as part of Coach Danielson's staff," Chinander said. "In less than a year I have come to really treasure the special people in Boise, especially the great student-athletes we have. I am proud of the way they have overcome adversity this year and continued to hold themselves to the Boise State standard. I know the future is bright for this program and look forward to what we are building towards next year."

Chinander joined the Broncos' staff last December and has served as the assistant head coach, defensive line coach and the defensive run-game coordinator since then. This season he has directed a defensive unit that leads the Mountain West and ranks 10th nationally in sacks. The Broncos recorded nine sacks in a 45-10 win at Utah State on Nov. 18, tying the single-game record in the program's FBS era (since 1996).

He also leads a defensive front that limited Wyoming to just 27 rushing yards on 24 attempts on Oct. 28. The Cowboys were one of four opponents the Broncos held under 100 yards rushing during the year. Leading the way up front was Ahmed Hassanein, who tallied 12.5 sacks to rank fifth in the country, and owns a nation's-best nine-game streak of recording a sack entering bowl season.

Chinander brought two decades of coaching experience to the Treasure Valley, most recently at Nebraska (2018-22). He also spent time at UCF (2016-17), Oregon (2014-15 and 2010-12), the Philadelphia Eagles (2013), Northern Iowa (2004-09) and Ellsworth (Iowa) Community College (2003). He was named a top 25 recruiter by Rivals in 2021.

At both UCF and Nebraska, Chinander was the defensive coordinator. In 2021, Nebraska finished 36th nationally in scoring defense, allowing 22.7 points per game with a schedule that featured eight teams that won at least nine games. The points per game average was the Cornhuskers' best since 2010. Nickel JoJo Domann was named a second-team All-American by the Associated Press.

The Golden Knights ranked 18th and second nationally in takeaways during his two seasons in Orlando. In 2017, UCF went 13-0, won the American Athletic Conference and saw cornerback Mike Hughes earn All-America honors prior to becoming a first-round NFL Draft pick. Linebacker Shaquem Griffin (fifth round) was also selected in the 2018 NFL Draft.

Chinander coached outsider linebackers at Oregon in 2014 and 2015. The Ducks recorded 34 takeaways in 2014 and played in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game. Chinander had previously worked as an intern (2010) and graduate assistant (2011-12) in Eugene. During his five seasons with the Ducks, Oregon was 58-10, won three Pac-12 titles and twice played for the national championship.

In 2013, he was the assistant defensive line coach for the NFC East champion Philadelphia Eagles. At Northern Iowa, he coached tight ends and helped the Panthers win three conference titles and make three appearances in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) playoffs.

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--BroncoSports.com--

Boise State Retains Erik Chinander, Elevates him to Defensive Coordinator

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