John F. Chironna (July 4, 1928 – October 15, 2010) was an American football and baseball coach. He served as the head coach of the Rhode Island Rams football team in 1961 and 1962, compiling a record of 4–11–3. Chironna was also head coach of the Rhode Island Rams baseball program from 1960 to 1961, tallying a mark of 16–15–1.[1]
Former Notre Dame head coach Charlie Weis credited Chironna for influencing his view of football.[3] Weis said, "John Chironna taught me the game of football. Parcells and Belichick taught me how to navigate at this level, but Chironna, he taught me the game."[3] Weis taught English and was an assistant coach to Chironna at Morristown High School in Morris County, New Jersey during Weis' early coaching career.[3]
^"John Chironna", The Star-Ledger, October 19, 2010. Accessed March 28, 2023. "Chironna was born on July 4, 1928, in Plainfield, N.J., and graduated from Westfield High School in 1946. At Westfield he was a three year football starter on the line and gained All State Group 3 honors in 1945 as team captain. That same year he earned All County honors in basketball. "