AT COLLEGE OF IDAHO: Chris Jewell started joined the College of Idaho's Football staff in 2014 as defensive coordinator. As one of the top defensive coordinators in the NAIA, Jewell has led one of the top defensive units in the country which is perennially among the top 25 in the nation. Four out of the last five seasons, his defense has finished in the top 25 in scoring defense, rushing defense, and QB sacks. Last fall, in 2022, the defense ranked 10th in the nation against the rush and 16th in scoring defense, holding opponents to 18.1 points per contest. His efforts saw the Yotes defense hold Carroll College to -15 yards on the ground in a 30-21 win, just one week after shutting out Eastern Oregon University. Three Yotes in the secondary were named all-Frontier Conference, including Dorian Hardin, who earned All-American honors. The 2021 unit finished ranked fourth in the nation in sacks, 15th in rush defense, 16th in total defense and 21st in scoring defense. On three occasions, opponents were held under seven points or less and surrendered just 18.9 points per contest. Two members of the defensive back unit were named all-conference, including All-American safety Taeseon Hardin. The 2021 spring season saw College of Idaho lead the league in pass defense as well as in the top 25 nationally for sacks per game. Three YOtes were picked all-conference and an All-American honoree. In 2019, the Coyote defense held opponents to an average of 93 rushing yards and 308 yards of total offense over a 12-game season. Four opponents were limited to 100 yards passing and seven were held below the century mark on the ground. Since arriving at College of Idaho, he has produced 12 all-conference players, six All Americans - including three-time All-American Nate Moore - and a honorable mention All-American selection.
BEFORE C OF I: Jewell joined the C of I staff after spending two seasons as the defensive backs coach at Division II Fort Lewis College in Colorado, working under the tutelage of former Division I head coach John L. Smith. He also spent time in the California junior college ranks – coaching at both Southwestern College and at San Diego Mesa College. As the defensive coordinator at SDMC, his defense finished seventh in total defense among Southern California schools and 20th-overall in the state. Jewell has also coached at the University of Ottawa in Canada and with the Nidaros Domers of the Norweigian American Football Federation.
PERSONAL: Jewell earned All-Conference honors at SDMC as a player in 1998, before transferring to the University of Idaho. He finished his collegiate career, earning All-Conference honors at Concordia University in Montreal, Canada. He is married to Erin Jewell and has three daughters.
