Head Coach

Chip Taylor

Chip Taylor was named head coach of the Hamline football team on March 11, 2016, and is in his eighth season (15-45, seven seasons) during the 2023-24 academic year.

Taylor originally came to the program in 2013 with then head coach Chad Rogosheske, who left after the 2015 season to take a head coaching job at Capital University in Columbus, Ohio. Taylor served as the defensive coordinator for the Pipers during that time.

The 2016 season, Taylor’s first at the helm, was a smashing success. The Pipers went 5-5 overall - their best record since 1997. They defeated Gustavus Adolphus 42-40, which was their first win over GAC in a decade. HU was 5-1 at Klas Field and also retained home field wins for the team’s two traveling trophies - The Bucket against Macalester and the Hammer against Augsburg. Hamline also defeated Crown and St. Olaf at home and had a narrow 17-14 loss to Bethel in the season finale.

Since being named head coach, Taylor has coached 19 athletes that were named to the MIAC All-Conference first or second teams, including Justice Spriggs, Mitchell Maday, and Anthony Hill, who all earned a spot on the first team after the 2016 season. The first team selections continued in 2021 courtesy of Triston Thomas and Adrian Cracolici, followed by Charlie Wilson in 2022. Wilson's 74 receptions in 2022 broke a 28-year school record, while his 7.3 receptions per game ranked second in the country.

Prior to coming to Hamline, Taylor and Rogosheske worked together for three years as assistants at Division I Bucknell. In that period, Taylor served as the special teams coordinator and cornerback coach and was a key part of the defensive staff that allowed a Patriot-League low 78.27 rushing yards per game. Among his protégés were 2011 All-American corner back Bryce Robertson, who led the country with 13 interceptions, and Josh Eden who, in 2010, set a national record for combined blocked kicks in a season with eight.

Before his time at Bucknell, Taylor spent six of the previous seven years coaching at Valparaiso and steadily moved up the staff, culminating in an appointment as the co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach in 2009. In his only year in the latter role, Taylor helped the Crusaders improve upon their pass completion percentage, passing yards, and touchdown passes from the previous season.

He was the wide receivers coach in 2003 when Valpo’s receiving core amassed more than 3,000 yards receiving, recording 30 touchdowns en route to winning the Pioneer Football League Championship. Rob Giancola broke 14 school records while earning Second Team All-America honors after leading the nation (FCS and FBS) with 23 touchdown receptions. In 2006, he was defensive backs coach for a unit that led the Pioneer Football League with 17 interceptions. As special teams coordinator in 2008, his players blocked five kicks and returned two punts for TDs.

Taylor has also spent one season as an assistant coach working with wide receivers at Rose-Hulman in 2005.

At Hamline, he mentored a defensive unit that improved its numbers every season. In 2015, HU ranked third in the MIAC in interceptions and fumble recoveries and fourth in sacks. That defense also played a key role as the Pipers regained possession of both its traveling trophies in 2014. The Pipers retained The Bucket in 2015 as well.

Taylor is a Willingboro, New Jersey native who attended Illinois State from 1998-2002, graduating with a degree in physical education. A three-year letter winner with the Redbirds, he spent time on offense, defense, and returned punts during his playing days. ISU won a conference championship and made a pair of playoff appearances during Taylor’s time there. The 1999 team advanced to the national semifinals.

He earned his master’s degree in sports administration while at Valparaiso.

In addition to his college resume, Taylor also has participated in summer internships with the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals (2008) and Kansas City Chiefs (2009).