Harding’s Chism tabbed as Associate Head Coach
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Carson-Newman head football coach Tyler Almond has announced the hiring of former Harding offensive line coach Kevin Chism as C-N’s new associate head coach and offensive line coach.
VIDEO: Kevin Chism Interview
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Carson-Newman head football coach Tyler Almond has announced the hiring of former Harding offensive line coach Kevin Chism as C-N's new associate head coach and offensive line coach.
"I couldn't be more fired up to add a coach and a human the caliber of Coach Chism," Almond said. "He has proven to be one of the elite offensive line coaches in the country, and I know he will add a tremendous amount of value to our program. He and his family are a perfect match for our community and university."
Chism spent the last 16 seasons at Harding, serving first as a graduate assistant before helming the offensive line since 2012. Harding went 140-27 in Chism's 16 seasons, made 10 NCAA Playoff Appearances and played for two national titles, winning one in 2023.
"I'm so thankful and happy to be here," Chism said. "It was time for a change. I've known some of the guys here for a while, and it felt like a good time to make a move. We're really happy to be here. The number one thing is we will be violent up front. We want to change the line of scrimmage every play. The second thing is we want to develop a strong culture with guys who play for each other. Guys who play for each other are going to go through the hard stuff when they truly care for each other."
Chism was on the sidelines for all 26 of Harding's NCAA postseason games. The Bisons were 17-9 in playoff and bowl games during Chism's tenure.
He coached 16 First Team All-GAC offensive linemen, including All-Americans Jake Dugger, Tory Day, Gavin De Los Santos, Mike Ericson, Cobe Williams, Sam Wilson, Jake Mitchell, Hunter Willis (2023 Willie Roaf Award winner as top offensive lineman in Arkansas), and Bryce Bray (2018 Rimington Award winner as top center in Division II and Willie Roaf Award).
Harding ranked in the top four in Division II in rushing every season since 2012 and has led the nation in rushing seven times, including each of the last six seasons.
His 2023 and 2025 offensive lines paved the way for Harding to for NCAA record 6,160 and 6,943 yards, respectively.
From 2012-25 with Chism's lines clearing the way, the Bisons rushed for 62,054 yards – or 35.25 miles. The Bisons rushed for enough yards over the last 13 years to make it from Burke-Tarr Stadium to just shy of exit 380 outside of Knoxville for the West Town Mall.
"I've told people over the years if you want a good husband, marry an offensive lineman," Chism said. "They tend to be selfless, strong guys. The spiritual aspect (of Carson-Newman) is something that is very important to me and my family. It's something that will be at the forefront of what we do. To me, building guys into Christian leaders and servants is way more important than anything we do on the football field."
A defensive end at Harding from 1998-2000, Chism recorded 54 tackles, including 13.0 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks in a three-year career. Chism earned his bachelor's degree in business administration from Harding in 2001 and his master's in business administration in 2015.
Chism is married to the former Jennifer Greene of Spring, Texas. The couple have five children--Lexi, Aaron, Eli, Ben and Emma.
