By BOB LABBE

AUBURN- As a boy growing up in Madison and attending Bob Jones High, Chip Lindsey had the athletic gift to play four sports for the Patriots – tackling football, basketball, baseball and golf. He participated in all of the sports having that burning desire of someday being a high school coach. Now, as a 42-year-old, Lindsey said he is ecstatic to be hired as the offensive coordinator for the Auburn Tigers, proving a hometown boy did good.

“I never dreamed I’d be in this position or any college coaching position for that matter. I always thought my career would be as a high school coach,” said Lindsey from his home in Auburn, where he, his wife Cecily and their four children, ages 13, 9 and twins 11, now call home. “I’m just glad to be here.”

A graduate of Bob Jones in 1992, he lettered one year at UNA before he left football and transferred to Alabama, where he earned his college degree. He later earned a master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of Phoenix. He soon took to the high school ranks with stops at Deshler, Sparkman and Springville before earning his first head coaching position at Colbert Heights.

Two years later he moved to Hoover High and then to Lassiter High in Marietta, Ga. He also had stints at Troy University and Spain Park High.

In 2013 Lindsey was an offensive analyst for Auburn in their run to the National Championship Game, in which they lost to Florida State 34-31. For the next two seasons, he led the offense of Southern Miss as its coordinator before he served as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Arizona State last season.
How exactly did the former Bob Jones athlete arrive back in Auburn?
“I knew Coach Malzahn through many of the schools I’ve worked at, and of course being on his staff that magical season in 2013 was amazing, so I was looking for a spot like the one at Auburn, and I knew the right people at the right time,” said Lindsey. “I believe I bring in something different to the passing game and will have some new bells and whistles. Coach Malzahn wants to run the ball more and try and have a more balanced offense.”
Lindsey spoke of being fortunate to have good family support during his childhood and now as an adult. Both of his parents, Lindsey said, set values in his life and did a great job of keeping him focused. His parents currently live in Pelham and continue to be supportive in his professional career. “Yes, good people helped me along the way in my life,” he said.
He still remains in contact with many of those he grew up around in Madison and fondly remembers his years in the community, especially in high school. He mentioned past coaches such as Ricky Sizemore, Edd Carter, Guy Bowling and Robby Parker as some of those who helped mold him into being a coach, as they all had some type of inspiration for his future. He was quick to call Madison “a special place.”
Lindsey said his days are spent mostly on being a football coach, which can be grueling, but he does try to make time for his family whenever possible. He plays golf with his sons and is always looking to do something with his entire family. He and Cecily will celebrate 15 years of marriage this summer.

His typical work day begins at 6 a.m. and, depending on the season or situations, he’s often burning the midnight oil trying to become the best he can be.

Lindsey said he’s come a long way since his first collegiate coaching job as quarterback coach at Troy University, working for Larry Blakeney. He looks to carry on his tradition of being dedicated to his craft and strive to claim what every coach in college football is looking for: a National Championship.

“I feel Auburn is headed in the right direction,” said Lindsey. “Our key to success will be consistency and work as one as a team. We certainly have the chance to be much improved.

“At the end of the day, I’m not as goal-oriented as most coaches. I just try and enjoy every day and be as good as coach as I can and have our team to be as good at it can be,” added Lindsey.