Sport(s) | Football |
---|---|
Biographical details | |
Born | September 5, 1893 |
Died | November 9, 1972 Syracuse, New York |
(aged 79)
Playing career | |
1915–1917 | Syracuse |
Position(s) | Quarterback |
Coaching career (HC unless noted) | |
1920–1924 | Syracuse |
1925–1931 | NYU |
1932–1937 | Manhattan |
Head coaching record | |
Overall | 115–44–14 |
John Francis "Chick" Meehan (September 5, 1893 – November 9, 1972) was an American football player and coach. His 17-year career coaching record was 115 wins, 44 losses, and 14 ties. He served as the head football coach at Syracuse University (1920–1924), New York University (1925–1931), and Manhattan College (1932–1937), compiling a career college football record of 115–44–14. Meehan played quarterback at Syracuse from 1915 to 1917.
Meehan stated, "We learn practically nothing from a victory. All our information comes from a defeat. A winner forgets most of his mistakes."
From 1920 to 1924, Meehan served as the head coach at Syracuse and compiled a 35–8–4 record. This total included back-to-back eight-win seasons in 1923 and 1924.
Meehan was the 19th head football coach for the New York University Violets located in New York, New York and he held that position for seven seasons, from 1925 until 1931. His career coaching record at NYU was 49–15–4. This ranks him first at NYU in total wins and first at NYU in winning percentage. Meehan was awarded a place in NYU's athletic hall of fame for his coaching efforts.
Meehan's last head coaching job was as the fourth head coach for the Manhattan College Jaspers also in New York City. He held that position for six seasons, from 1932 until 1937. His career coaching record at Manhattan was 31–21–6. This ranks him first at Manhattan in total wins and second at Manhattan in winning percentage.
Meehan died at the age of 79 on November 9, 1972 at a hospital in Syracuse, New York.