ADRIAN, Mich. -- Adrian College Athletics is proud to announce the hiring of Samuel Chaney as the new Head Coach of the Adrian College men's rugby program.
 
Chaney joins Adrian after serving as the forwards and player development coach at Iowa Central Community College, where he led practice planning and oversaw the program's offseason training, including strength and conditioning, field work, and skill development. In his role, he worked on technical growth, particularly among the forwards, focusing on set piece execution and overall on-field performance.
 
"We are excited to welcome Coach Chaney to Adrian College," said Athletic Director Craig Rainey. "Coach Chaney's career in rugby is impressive and exactly what we need at the head of our men's rugby program. We are excited to have Coach Chaney rebuild this program and have the Bulldogs back on this pitch next season."

Prior to his time at Iowa Central, Chaney gained collegiate coaching experience as a volunteer intern and forwards coach at McKendree University. 

Chaney also brings a unique leadership background from his service in the United States Army, where he served as an infantry team leader from 2021-2025. In that role, he was responsible for training and mentoring a small unit, coordinating daily operations, and ensuring effective communication across multiple levels of leadership.

Before transitioning into coaching, Chaney competed professionally as a contracted player with Rugby ATL from 2019-2021, gaining valuable experience at a high level of competition.

His coaching career also includes time at Barton High School in Arkansas, where he served as a teacher and coach. Chaney worked with the football program as an assistant coach, led a position group, and also served as an interim strength coach, designing and implementing training programs for multiple sports.

In addition to his athletic and coaching experience, Chaney has demonstrated a strong commitment to mentorship and personal development, previously serving as a pastor where he led and grew a youth program through relationship-building and community engagement.

Chaney holds a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies from Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary. 

Coach Chaney will begin his coaching responsibilities where he will begin recruiting and preparing for the 2026-27 seasons.