The move strikes me as a solid, if not spectacular, hire.  Chaney’s been around the block for a while and has done his share of coaching in the SEC wars.  His national reputation is good.  And he obviously fits the bill as what Smart is looking for in an OC and quarterbacks coach.

Chaney’s first big test is selling Jacob Eason on his future in Athens.  Fortunately, he’s got a credible story to tell.

New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees put up ridiculous numbers under Chaney at Purdue. From 1998-2000 Brees threw for 3,000 yards or more in all three seasons and never had fewer than 25 touchdown passes. Brees’ total for that three-year period was 11,560 yards and 90 touchdowns. Chaney would go on to coach Kyle Orton at Purdue and Tyler Bray at Tennessee. Orton, who retired last year after a 10-year NFL career, threw for 3,090 yards and 31 touchdowns for The Boilermakers in 2004. Bray would also have one huge year under Chaney — in 2012 where he threw for over 3,600 yards and 34 touchdowns.

We’ll see how it goes.