Western Michigan University Athletics

Chris Chestnut will be in his first season as tight ends coach at his alma mater in 2021.

The Durham, North Carolina, native spent the past two seasons as receivers coach at Western Kentucky. He played receiver at Western Michigan from 2002-03 after starting his collegiate career at the College of the Canyons in California. Chestnut was a two-time letterman at WMU, serving as a team captain in 2003 and finishing with 30 catches for 412 yards in his two years in Kalamazoo.

While at WKU, Chestnut mentored a pair of receivers in Lucky Jackson and Jahcour Pearson who were one of just five duos in FBS to finish 2019 with at least 75 catches and 800 yards each. Jackson set a program record for receptions in a game with 17 catches in the First Responders Bowl against Western Michigan.

Prior to WKU, Chestnut spent three seasons at Tennessee State, including two as receivers coach. He mentored a pair of All-Ohio Valley selections, while also helping former University of Florida QB Treon Harris complete a transition to receiver. 

Chestnut spent one season at Miami (Fla.) as an offensive assistant and interim tight ends coach. Prior to that, he spent two seasons as a high school coach in his native Durham, North Carolina, as well as stops at South Florida (graduate assistant), Campbell (running backs) and Ellsworth Community College (receivers).

After his collegiate playing career, Chestnut spent three seasons in the Arena Football League. He played for the New York Dragons, Las Vegas Gladiators and Georgia Wildcats and served as an assistant coach at Northern Durham (N.C.) High School during the offseason.

A 2008 Western Michigan graduate, Chestnut and his wife, Maria, have three children -- Jaylon, Carter and Christina.

| THE CHRIS CHESTNUT FILE

PERSONAL

Hometown: Durham, N.C.
College: Western Michigan (2008)
Wife: Maria
Children: Jaylon, Carter and Christina

PLAYING CAREER (Wide Receiver)

College: College of the Canyons (2000-01); Western Michigan (2002-03)
Professional: New York Dragons (AFL, 2004); Las Vegas Gladiators (AFL, 2004-05); Georgia Wildcats (AFL, 2006)

COACHING CAREER

2004-08: Northern Durham HS (Assistant Coach)
2009: Ellsworth Community College (Wide Receivers)
2010-11: Campbell (Running Backs)
2012: South Florida (Graduate Assistant)
2013-14: Northern Durham HS (Assistant Coach)
2015: Miami (Fla.) (Offensive Assistant/Tight Ends)
2016: Tennessee State (Offensive Quality Control)
2017-18: Tennessee State (Wide Receivers)
2019-2020: Western Kentucky (Wide Receivers)
2021-present: Western Michigan (Tight Ends)