NORTH LIBERTY, Iowa (KCRG) – There is a new leader at Iowa City Liberty. Following a nine-year career in the NFL, former Hawkeye Scott chandler will lead the Lightning football team.

Family is what led the former Iowa tight end back to the Hawkeye State following his playing career.

“Sometimes we get through playing football and you’re able to look back with a little perspective, you see the impact that your high school coaches, your college coaches, and for me, the NFL coaches had on my life. Not just my football career, but how to be a man. When I needed somebody to talk to, my position coach was always there and my head coach was always there. I just want to be that for these guys,” he explained.

Chandler is one of three former Hawkeyes on the coaching staff at Liberty. This football season he’ll have a new title; head coach of the Lightning.

“I wanted to keep continuity with this, with what Coach Harris has built. I think that we’ve got a great group of kids, great staff and I wanted to keep that all that together,” Chandler said.

For the last three seasons, he’s served as the Bolts offensive coordinator, so its been an easy transition for the players.

“It’s been amazing. Just the energy he brings, it’s awesome. I love to have him around. He’s probably the smartest football guy I’ve ever met,” senior tight end and defensive end Ethan Barber said.

There have been changes made since Chandler took over.

“We’re putting an emphasis more on special teams. We’ve been doing that every day this week, at least, because we struggled with that last year,” senior offensive and defensive lineman Caleb Burnett said.

“This new defense is really smash mouth and I just love that,” Barber added. “It’s just get up and get in somebody’s face.

Chandler has put an emphasis on playing physical. For the last two years, Liberty has had one of the top passing offenses in their class and they believe they have the weapons to keep up those numbers.

“I think our skill positions on offense, our receivers and running backs are really good. Our quarterback is really young and very talented. I think our offensive line has taken a big step as well,” Burnett said.

The Lightning, who went 4-5 last season, open up this year with back-to-back rivalry games. The players believe this will help them set the tone for the fall.

“Got get to both trophies this year,” Burnett said.

“You try and put them in the best position, but the players got to play. That’s always been the way football works,” Chandler said.

The Lightning open the season Aug. 30 when they host Iowa City West.

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