Legendary Temple men’s basketball head coach John Chaney passed away Friday at the age of 89.
Chaney, who coached the Owls from 1982 to 2006, spearheaded one of the great program runs in college basketball history. The 1988 AP Coach of the Year and 5-time Atlantic 10 Coach of the Year guided Temple to 17 NCAA Tournament appearances and is the winningest coach in A10 history.
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Upon the news of his passing, the college hoops community flooded social media with remembrances and condolences of the sport’s icon.
The greatness and wisdom of John Chaney extends far beyond the basketball court. For generations of Owls, he was a wise counselor, a dedicated teacher and a passionate leader. For many others, he simply was Temple.
— Temple University (@TempleUniv) January 29, 2021
Thank you for everything, Coach. 🦉 pic.twitter.com/GTn0TmW5EJ
Statement from Commissioner Mike Aresco on the passing of former Temple Coach John Chaney. pic.twitter.com/qs1Fw2JY1O
— American MBB (@American_MBB) January 29, 2021
RIP to the great John Chaney, the iconic former Temple coach. Chaney was an American original. I absolutely loved talking with him, including his early morning practices where he had a lecture for his players that would rival any sermon. A great, great man. pic.twitter.com/bzLEBuBXvc
— Jay Bilas (@JayBilas) January 29, 2021
I’m so saddened to hear that we have lost John Chaney, a coaching icon, a Hall of Famer, a molder of young men, the ultimate competitor and a dear friend. Being able to compete against the best at a young age gave me a great opportunity to grown and learn. pic.twitter.com/lCuHwHCubW
— John Calipari (@UKCoachCalipari) January 29, 2021
John Chaney influenced and inspired a generation of people, players and coaches. We lost an icon and giant in our profession today. Rest easy and God Bless Coach. pic.twitter.com/OB8IvwRUo4
— Coach Kelvin Sampson (@CoachSampsonUH) January 29, 2021
So sorry to hear the very sad news of the passing of John Chaney. A true icon in the sport and someone who had an amazing impact on so many of the young people’s lives that he coached. https://t.co/pHuWihPmlA
— Steve Donahue (@Coach_Donahue) January 29, 2021
here.Have to share that I just finished listening to a voicemail message he left me when my father died in 2/19 – just maybe I saved it because I knew this day would come and I need my piece of a legend !! #RIPJOHN
— Phil Martelli (@PhilMartelli) January 29, 2021
Rest In Peace coach John Chaney, a true icon in our profession. Coach you set a terrific standard to follow and I want to thank you for helping to pave the way for coaches of color in college athletics. pic.twitter.com/s7GkODRv94
— Frank Haith (@CoachFHaith) January 29, 2021
We've lost John Thompson and John Chaney — Big John and Little John — in the span of 5 months. In the 1980s and 1990s there were no greater fighters on behalf of black athletes and coaches. It hurts that both of their voices are permanently silenced. https://t.co/ZqIdN4zDIc
— J.A. Adande (@jadande) January 29, 2021
John Chaney and John Thompson both gone. Pioneers who paved a path for Black coaches. In the same season we lost them, however, some major conferences have zero Black coaches. Honoring them would involve acknowledging and correcting CBB’s reluctance to give jobs to Black coaches.
— Myron Medcalf (@MedcalfByESPN) January 29, 2021
in every way, john chaney had me thinking temple was something it wasn't. i think for a lotta ppl my age, looking back at his success there will be more mindblowing than it was i real time.
— bomani (@bomani_jones) January 29, 2021
Rest In Peace to Temple legend John Chaney, one of the greatest basketball coaches of all-time who was able to win big on the court while triumphing over racial barriers. pic.twitter.com/iorSuwCeYf
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) January 29, 2021
Today… we lost one of the ultimate GREATS.. he not only changed the game on the court but he has changed countless lives off of it. His legacy will be forever remembered and lived with honor. R.I.P. John Chaney. pic.twitter.com/jZHxIFIjve
— Jay Williams (@RealJayWilliams) January 29, 2021
John Chaney was a coach for 43 years but his impact on the game of basketball is immeasurable. May the Temple legend rest easy. pic.twitter.com/aIxDRpiHF1
— SLAM (@SLAMonline) January 29, 2021
(2/2) He was one of the preeminent Black coaches in the game, and more than that, he was a mentor and father figure to countless players and coaches in our city.
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) January 29, 2021
Our sincerest condolences go out to the Chaney family and the Temple basketball community. He will be missed. pic.twitter.com/JB6iF8Vy2r
RIP to the legendary John Chaney 🙏🏾.
— 🏁 Jamal Crawford (@JCrossover) January 29, 2021
Another trailblazer gone too soon! Legendary Temple University Coach John Chaney paved the way for young black coaches because of his success, no nonsense approach, & development of young men. May he RIP. Cookie and I are sending love and prayers to the Chaney family. 🙏🏾
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 29, 2021
John Chaney coached 24 seasons at Temple, went to the NCAA tourney 17 times and made five appearances in the Elite Eight. Chaney won nearly 70 percent of his games at Temple (516-253).
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) January 29, 2021
Chaney will not only always be an institution at Temple, but also one in college basketball.
John Chaney made 17 NCAA tournaments and won 23 games in the Big Dance.
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) January 29, 2021
Both of those are more than all other Temple head coaches combined. pic.twitter.com/fqjN4fs0Qc
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