University of Tennessee at Chattanooga head football coach Rusty Wright announced the return of Chris Malone as the Mocs' offensive line coach today.  Malone served in the same role on Russ Huesman's staff at UTC from 2014-15.

"We are excited to have Chris come back to join our program," stated Wright.  "We won a lot of games and had a lot of success when he was here before.  Working on the opposite side of the ball from him when we were on Coach Huesman's staff, I got to see first-hand how he prepared every day.  I know he will do an outstanding job with our offensive line."

Malone spent the last three seasons as the offensive line coach at Old Dominion. In his first season with only one senior starter, ODU led Conference USA in rushing with 2,559 yards. The Monarchs finished second in Conference USA in fewest sacks allowed.  He also helped guide junior center Nick Clarke and redshirt freshman left tackle Isaac Weaver to honorable mention Conference USA honors in 2017.

"I am excited to be back at UTC," added Malone.  "I really enjoyed my time here before and Chattanooga has a bright future.  I know that Coach Wright's vision for the program has us focused on returning to a championship level." 

During his time at UTC, the Mocs won two SoCon titles and made two trips to the FCS Playoffs.  Malone coached current Tennessee Titan Corey Levin to FCS All-American honors and consecutive Jacob's Blocking Awards.  Chattanooga also rushed for more than 3,000 yards and had two 1,000 yard rushers both seasons. 

Malone coached at Virginia State in 2013, helping the Trojans to a 9-1 record and a CIAA title.  Prior to that, he worked with the offensive line and was the run game coordinator at James Madison for seven seasons. At JMU, Malone coached Dorian Brooks, a 2009 Third-Team All-America and a free agent signee of the NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers.  In 2008, he directed an offensive front that included Rimington Award (nation's top center) winner Scott Lemn.

In 2007, Malone helped JMU average 33.3 points, 410.0 yards of total offense and 265.1 yards per game rushing.  JMU led the CAA in rushing and was seventh nationally, while allowing only six sacks, the fewest in the nation. 

Prior to James Madison, Malone coached the offensive line and tight ends at VMI (2005) and the offensive line (2001-04) at UMass.  He was a graduate assistant offensive line coach at Virginia Tech from 1999-2000, and was offensive and defensive line coach at Fork Union Military Academy in 1998.

Malone was a four-year starter as an offensive guard at Virginia Tech (1991-95).  He made 47 consecutive starts during his career, earning All-Big East Conference honors in 1995.