John Chironna

Who was John Chironna?

John F. Chironna was the head coach of the Rhode Island Rams football team in 1961 and 1962. He compiled a 4–11–3 overall record. Chironna also served as the head coach of the Rhode Island baseball program from 1960-1961, compiling an overall record of 16-15-1.

Chironna, a native of Westfield, New Jersey, played football and baseball at Westfield High School. He then played both sports at Bucknell University and was named an All-East selection three times. Chironna was inducted into the Bucknell Hall of Fame in 1984 and was named to Bucknell's "Football Team of the Century" in 1996.

Former Notre Dame head coach Charlie Weis credited Chironna for influencing his view of football. Weis said, "John Chironna taught me the game of football. Parcells and Belichick taught me how to navigate at this level, but Chironna, he taught me the game." Weis taught English and was an assistant coach to Chironna at Morristown High School in Morris County, New Jersey during Weis' early coaching career.