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United States Gene Chizik has transitioned from a championship-winning football coach to a respected college football analyst, sharing his insights on the game.
All of Chizik's proceeds from his book, "All In: What It Takes to Be the Best", have gone to The Chizik Family You Turn Foundation, Inc., which assists children and youth in the Auburn community.
Gene Chizik is a college football analyst for ESPN and SEC Network, having been with SEC Network since its inception in 2014. Chizik is one of the main Saturday studio analysts for SEC Now alongside Chris Doering, and added ESPN’s Friday Night Football to his repertoire for the 2019 season.
Gene Chizik is a college football analyst for ESPN and SEC Network. He has been with SEC Network since its inception in 2014 and rejoined it in the fall of 2025 after his coaching stint at UNC, serving as a studio analyst for SEC Now.
Published Chizik's first book, “All In: What It Takes to Be the Best”, which chronicles his coaching career, the pivotal role his faith has played in his life and career, and his secrets to success, both on and off the field.
Gene Chizik hosted a weekly football radio show on Sirius Satellite Radio in 2013.
Born in 1961 in Tarpon Springs, Florida, Gene Chizik embarked on a distinguished career in American football. He earned his B.A. in education from the University of Florida in 1985 and an M.A. in guidance and counseling from Clemson University in 1991. His coaching journey began at Seminole High School as defensive coordinator (1986-1988), followed by graduate assistant roles at Clemson (1988-1989) and full-time positions at Middle Tennessee State (1990-1991) and Stephen F. Austin (1992-1997). He later served as defensive coordinator for UCF from 1998 to 2001, where he significantly improved the team’s defensive ranking.
Chizik’s career saw a notable ascent as defensive coordinator for Auburn from 2002 to 2004, culminating in the 2004 Broyles Award as the nation’s top assistant coach. During this period, Auburn achieved a 13-0 season and an SEC title. He then joined Texas as co-defensive coordinator from 2005 to 2006, contributing to their 2005 national championship. His first head coaching role was at Iowa State from 2007 to 2008. In 2008, Chizik returned to Auburn as head coach, leading the Tigers to an undefeated 14-0 season in 2010, securing the BCS National Championship. This historic achievement earned him multiple National Coach of the Year honors, including the Home Depot and Liberty Mutual awards, as well as SEC Coach of the Year. Under his guidance, players like Cam Newton (Heisman Trophy winner) and Nick Fairley (Lombardi Award winner) achieved national recognition.
After his head coaching tenure at Auburn concluded in 2012, Chizik transitioned to a media career, working as a college football analyst for ESPN and SEC Network starting in 2014. He briefly returned to coaching as defensive coordinator and assistant head coach for defense at North Carolina from 2015 to 2016 and again from 2022 to 2023. In 2011, he authored “All In: What It Takes to Be the Best,” with proceeds benefiting The Chizik Family You Turn Foundation, Inc., supporting children and youth in the Auburn community. He currently resides in Auburn with his wife, Jonna, and their three children.
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