The American-born Gerald Chatman is currently the defensive line coach of the Tulane Green Wave.
According to various sources, he is set to join the Florida Gators as their defensive line coach.
This article will cover the details of his education, coaching journey, personal life, and rumors about him joining the Gators.
Gerald Chatman was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on June 18, 1988. He attended Brown Deer High School in Wisconsin, where he distinguished himself in football, earning a letter in the sport.
In 2011, Chatman graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh with a bachelor’s degree in Educational Leadership and Human Service.
He further pursued his academic journey by obtaining a master’s degree in Adult and Community Education from Ball State University in 2013.
During his time at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh from 2006 to 2010, Chatman was an integral part of the football team, playing defensive end and tackle and earning four letters.
Coaching Journey
Chatman’s coaching career started with his alma mater. He served as the defensive line coach for the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh during the 2010 and 2011 seasons.
Subsequently, the 36-year-old worked as a defensive graduate assistant at Ball State University from 2012 to 2013, contributing significantly to the team’s consecutive bowl game appearances.
His coaching trajectory continued as he took on roles in various institutions:
- Chatman held the position of defensive line coach and assistant recruiting coordinator at Butler University in 2014.
- The year 2015 saw him as a graduate assistant at Texas A&M University, focusing primarily on the defensive line.
- In 2016, he served as the defensive line coach at Elon University.
- From 2017 to 2018, Chatman joined Tennessee State University, initially working with defensive ends and linebackers in 2017. By 2018, his responsibilities expanded, taking on the role of special teams coordinator.
He then joined the Cincinnati Bengals as a defensive assistant during the 2019 and 2020 seasons.
In 2021, Chatman took on the role of defensive analyst at Louisiana State University (LSU), focusing on the defensive line.
By 2022, he briefly worked with Tulane University before securing the defensive line coach position at the University of Colorado in March.
Post this stint, he rejoined Tulane, serving as the defensive line coach after a short tenure at LSU as the interim defensive line coach.
Personal Life: Married Life & Kids
Gerald Chatman tied the knot with Lauren Hoffmann on July 11, 2015.
Together, they have three daughters, Kinley, Amelia, and Maya, and a son.
Lauren Hoffmann Chatman works as a critical care registered nurse at IU Health Methodist Hospital.
Florida Gators New DL Coach?
According to reports, Florida plans to bring on Tulane’s Gerald Chatman as the defensive line coach under Billy Napier.
Gerald Chatman is set to take over for Sean Spencer, who was dismissed on November 27 after serving two seasons under Billy Napier.
Although a formal contract between Florida and Chatman has not been finalized, both parties are in agreement that Chatman will accept the coaching role.