Chris Villarrial
Current position
TitleHead coach
TeamSaint Francis (PA)
ConferenceNEC
Record56–79
Biographical details
Born (1973-06-09) June 9, 1973
Hummelstown, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Playing career
1992–1995IUP
1996–2003Chicago Bears
2004–2006Buffalo Bills
Position(s)Offensive guard
Coaching career (HC unless noted)
2007–2008Central Cambria HS (OC)
2009Saint Francis (PA) (OC)
2010–presentSaint Francis (PA)
Head coaching record
Overall56–79
Tournaments0–2 (NCAA D-I playoffs)
Accomplishments and honors
Championships
2 NEC (2016, 2022)

Chris Villarrial (born June 9, 1973) is an American football coach and former player. He is the current head football coach at Saint Francis University in Loretto, Pennsylvania. He played professionally as an offensive guard with the Chicago Bears and Buffalo Bills in the National Football League (NFL) for 11 seasons. He played college football at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP).

College career

After redshirting his first year at IUP, Villarrial began his college career as a reserve nose guard until moving to offensive right tackle midway through his freshman season. While playing for IUP, Villarrial was a three-year All-American and three-year all-conference player. He played in the 1993 Division II national championship game, and received the Jim Langer Award for Best Lineman in Division II in 1996. Villarrial had his college jersey No. 75 retired by IUP.[1]

Professional career

Villarrial was drafted in the fifth round (152nd overall) by Dave Wannstedt in April 1996.[2] Prior to the draft, Villarrial broke the NFL Combine Bench Press Record. As a member of the Chicago Bears from to 1996 to 2003, Villarrial played six seasons under head coach Dick Jauron and was a two-year All-Pro player in addition to being named to the All-Joe Team. He paved the way for a 1,000-yard rusher every season, blocked for Anthony Thomas, who was the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2001, and was a member of an offensive line that gave up the fewest sacks in the NFL in 2001, when the Bears advanced to the NFC Divisional Playoff Game. He also received the Golden Bear Award, which was given to the rookie who has perfect attendance in the weight room.

Villarrial was one of the most sought out free agents in Buffalo Bills history for head coach Mike Mularkey, and continued his streak of 1,000-yard rushers every season with the Bills. He was a member of an offensive line that gave up the fewest sacks in franchise history. Villarrial, who also played two seasons in Buffalo under coach Jauron, finished his NFL career with 148 starts.

Coaching career

Following his professional career, Villarrial returned to Ebensburg, PA, where he served two seasons as the offensive coordinator for the Central Cambria High School football team. He led the team to two district title games, and personally helped 13 players continue their playing careers at the collegiate level, while developing and implementing a successful strength and conditioning program.[3]

In late 2009, Villarrial became head coach of the Saint Francis Red Flash football team. The Red Flash compete in the Northeast Conference of NCAA Division I FCS. He had previously served as the offensive coordinator for one season.[4]

Head coaching record

Year Team Overall ConferenceStanding Bowl/playoffs
Saint Francis Red Flash (Northeast Conference) (2010–present)
2010 Saint Francis 1–101–79th
2011 Saint Francis 2–91–79th
2012 Saint Francis 5–64–4T–4th
2013 Saint Francis 5–63–3T–3rd
2014 Saint Francis 5–63–34th
2015 Saint Francis 6–44–22nd
2016 Saint Francis 7–55–1T–1stL NCAA Division I First Round
2017 Saint Francis 5–63–34th
2018 Saint Francis 4–72–4T–5th
2019 Saint Francis 6–63–4T–5th
2020–21 No team
2021 Saint Francis 5–64–3T–4th
2022 Saint Francis 9–37–01stL NCAA Division I First Round
2023 Saint Francis 4–64–3T–2nd
Saint Francis: 56–7938–44
Total:56–79
      National championship         Conference title         Conference division title or championship game berth

References

  1. ↑ "Scout.com – College Sports, Football Recruiting, NFL, Fantasy Advice & More Front Page".
  2. ↑ "1996 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved 2023-03-30.
  3. ↑ "Saint Francis University Red Flash Athletics – 2012 Football Coaching Staff".
  4. ↑ "Hershey's Chris Villarrial passes on lessons of his coaches at St. Francis University". PennLive.com. 17 October 2010.
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