Louisiana native and Southeastern Louisiana alumnus Chris Lachney joined the Lion football staff in 2018 and coaches SLU’s linebackers. Prior to the 2020 season, he was elevated to defensive coordinator.
Following Lachney’s lead in 2019, junior Alexis Ramos earned All-Southland Conference honors. In his first season in Hammond, Ramos led the team with 80 tackles.
In his first season with the Lions, Lachney coached All-Southland Conference linebacker Tamarcus Russell. Under Lachney’s tutelage, Russell finished the season ninth in FCS with 118 tackles.
Lachney spent the 2017 season as the head coach at Riverside Academy. Prior to that, he served as defensive coordinator for the Rebels from 2012-16. During his time at Riverside, he helped the team to the 2016 Division III state championship and multiple district championships.
From 2008-11, Lachney was the defensive coordinator and strength coach at Brother Martin High School. He helped team to a district title in 2009.
Lachney got his coaching start at Pope John Paul High School, serving as assistant coach from 1998-2004, followed by serving as the head football and head powerlifting coach. He coached PJPHS to eight state powerlifting championships and was named the state coach of the year after each of those titles.
In 2005, Lachney was named the Small Schools Metro Coach of the Year by the New Orleans Times Picayune after leading Pope John Paul II to their second district championship in school history.
Lachney graduated from Southeastern in 2003, earning his bachelor’s degree in general studies. His wife, Tori, is a former Lady Lion softball player and SLU’s current Travel Coordinator. The couple welcomed a daughter, Blake, in December 2017.
Hometown: Slidell, Louisiana
Education: Southeastern Louisiana, 2003
Coaching Timeline
2019-20 – Southeastern Louisiana – Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers
2018-19 – Southeastern Louisiana - Linebackers
2017 – Riverside Academy – Head Football Coach
2012-16 – Riverside Academy – Defensive Coordinator
2008-11 – Brother Martin HS – Defensive Coordinator/Strength and Conditioning Coach
2003-07 – Pope John Paul II HS – Head Football Coach/Head Powerlifting Coach
1998-02 – Pope John Paul II HS – Assistant Football Coach
