Chip Taylor was named head coach of the Hamline football team on March 11, 2016. But he is no stranger to the program. For the past three seasons, he served as the defensive coordinator for the Pipers. He came to the school with Chad Rogosheske, who returned to his alma mater to serve as head coach from 2013-15. (Rogosheske recently was named the head coach at Capital University in Columbus, Ohio.)
Prior to coming to Hamline, Taylor and Rogosheske worked together for three years as assistants at Division I Bucknell. In that period, Taylor served as the Special Teams Coordinator and Cornerback Coach and was a key part of the defensive staff that allowed a Patriot League low 78.27 yards rushing yards per game. Among his protégés were 2011 All-American corner back Bryce Robertson, who led the country with 13 interceptions and Josh Eden who, in 2010, set a national record for combined blocked kicks in a season with eight.
Prior to coming to Bucknell, Taylor spent six of the previous seven years coaching at Valparaiso and steadily moved up the staff, culminating in an appointment as the Co-Offensive Coordinator and Quarterbacks Coach in 2009. In his only year in the latter role, Taylor helped the Crusaders improve upon their pass completion percentage, passing yards and touchdown passes from the previous season. He was the Wide Receivers Coach in 2003 when Valpo’s receiving core amassed more than 3,000 yards receiving, recording 30 touchdowns en route to winning the Pioneer Football League championship. Rob Giancola broke 14 school records while earning Second Team All-America honors after leading the nation (FCS and FBS) with 23 touchdown receptions. In 2006, he was Defensive Backs Coach for a unit that led the Pioneer Football League with 17 interceptions. As Special Teams Coordinator in 2008, his players blocked five kicks, returning two punts for TDs.
He also spent one season as an assistant coach working with wide receivers at Rose-Hulman in 2005.
At Hamline, he mentored a defensive unit that improved its numbers every season. In 2015, HU ranked third in the MIAC in interceptions and fumble recoveries and fourth in sacks. That defense also played a key role as the Pipers regained possession of both its traveling trophies (The Paint Bucket and The Hammer) in 2014. (HU retained The Bucket in 2015 as well.)
Under his guidance, four HU players earn Defensive Athlete of the Week honors and five individuals named to the postseason All-Conference teams. Taylor also played a major role in helping the Pipers’ roster grow from 39 players at the end of the 2012 to nearly 100 now.
Taylor is a Willingboro, NJ native who attended Illinois State from 1998-2002, graduating with a degree in physical education. A three-year letter winner with the Redbirds, he spent time on offense, defense and returned punts during his playing days. ISU won a conference championship and made a pair of playoff appearances during Chip’s time there. The 1999 team advanced to the national semifinals.
He earned his Masters in Sports Administration while at Valparaiso.
In addition to his college resume, Taylor also has participated in summer internships with the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals (2008) and Kansas City Chiefs (2009).
Here is what They Say About Chip Taylor:
Dr. Fayneese Miller, President, Hamline University:
“"I am thrilled that Coach Taylor accepted the position of head coach of the football program at Hamline. He knows our mission and vision and is committed to excellence in the classroom and on the field for all of our players. I have no doubt that, under his leadership and with the assistance of an impressive coaching staff, our football program will continue to move in a positive direction.”
Chan Gaily, Offensive Coordinator, New York Jets:
“Chip is very knowledgeable. He not only understands the Xs and Os but he also knows to deal effectively with personnel. He relates to every personality he sees very well. He’s a sharp guy and I am sure he will be a big success (at Hamline).”
Joe Susan, Head Football Coach, Bucknell University:
“I was fortunate that Chip Taylor was a part of our staff at Bucknell for three years. Chip is a role model for his players, a teacher of the game of football, but more, a teacher of the game of life to his players.
Chip is an intelligent man when it comes to understanding the nuances of the game. He is someone who studies the game in detail and is able to teach the student athletes he coaches in a progressive manner. Chip is a thorough and personal recruiter. The young men he recruits trust him. They see him as genuine and honest.
Chip will be successful as the Head Football Coach at Hamline. This will come as a result of his hard work and dedication to the program he has grown to love.”
Chad Rogosheske, former HU Football Coach now at Capital University:
“Coach Taylor brings a tremendous work ethic, knowledge base and ability to build strong relationships to the head coaching position at Hamline. He is truly dedicated to developing well rounded student athletes who will have a positive impact on in the classroom, on the field, and in the community.”
Dave Zeitchick, Head Football Coach, Highland Park High School, St. Paul, Minn.:
“Hamline University made a great hire in Chip Taylor. I believe he'll continue the great work that Chad started. Chip has developed a strong presence in St. Paul. He's been a tireless recruiter. He's been the first coach in our building the last three years."
