UTC Athletic Director Mark Wharton, left, and Mocs' Head Football Coach Rusty Wright.
UTC's Vice Chancellor & Director of Athletics Mark Wharton and Head Football Coach Rusty Wright condemned the offensive comment that was posted on Facebook by a staff member.
The staff member has been terminated.
“Last night, a totally inappropriate social media post by a member of our football staff was brought to my attention. The entire post was appalling. The sentiments in that post do not represent the values of our football program, our Athletics department or our University. With that said, effectively immediately, that individual is no longer a part of the program,” said Vice Chancellor Wharton.
“Our football program has a clear set of standards. Those standards include respecting others. It is a message our players hear daily. It is a standard I will not waiver on. What was posted on social media by a member of my staff is unacceptable and not any part of what I stand for or what Chattanooga Football stands for. Life is bigger than football and as leaders of young men, we have to set that example, first and foremost. With that said, effectively immediately, that individual is no longer a part of my staff,” said Coach Wright.
Offensive Lineman Assistant Coach Chris Malone tweeted the offensive post. It involved remarks about former Georgia governor candidate Stacey Abrams.
A screenshot of the post said, "Congratulations to the state GA and Fat Albert @staceyabrams because you have truly shown America the true works of cheating in an election, again!!! Enjoy the buffet Big Girl! You earned it!!! Hope the money was good, still not governor!"
Chris Malone is in the first season of his second stint as the Mocs’ offensive line coach. He spent the last three seasons as the offensive line coach at Old Dominion. In his first season with only one senior starter, ODU Led Conference USA in rushing with 2,559 yards. The Monarchs finished second in Conference USA in fewest sacks allowed. He also helped guide junior center Nick Clarke in red shirt freshman left tackle Isaac Weaver to honorable mention Conference USA honors in 2017.
During his time at UTC from 2014-15, the Mocs won two SoCon titles and made two trips to the FCS playoffs. Malone coached current Tennessee Titan Corey Levin to FCS All-American honors and consecutive Jacobs blocking awards. Chattanooga also rushed for more than 3,000 yards and had two 1,000-yard rushers both seasons.
Malone coached at Virginia State in 2013, helping the Trojans to a 9-1 record a CIAA title. Prior to that he worked with the offensive line and was the run game coordinator at James Madison for seven seasons. At JMU Malone coached Dorian Brooks, a 2009 third team All-American and a free agent signee of the NFL’s Pittsburgh Steelers. In 2008 he directed an offensive front that included Rimington Award winner Scott Levin.
In 2007 Malone helped JMU averaged 33.3 points, 410 yards of total offense, and 265.1 yards per game rushing. JMU led the CAA in rushing in was 7th nationally while allowing only 6 sacks, the fewest in the nation.
Prior to James Madison, Malone coached the offensive line and tight ends at VMI (2005) and the offensive line (2001-04) at UMass. He was a graduate assistant offensive line coach at Virginia Tech from 1999 to 2000 and was the offensive and defensive line coach at Fork Union Military Academy in 1998.
Malone was a four-year starter as an offensive guard at Virginia Tech from 1991-95. He made 47 consecutive starts during his career, including earning All-Big East Conference honors in 1995.
Chris Malone