Chris Grimes learned an awful lot about playing defense during his four-year career on the field for the Golden Eagles, when he was considered one of the team’s hardest-hitters. In 2010, he returned to his alma mater to teach the lessons he learned to the current Golden Eagle players, and in 2012 he is in his third season as a member of the Watson Brown’s TTU coaching staff. This season, he has moved from graduate assistant to assistant coach for the Golden Eagles.
   
A former cornerback known for his hustle and hard-hitting style of play, Grimes works with all phases of the Tech defense.
   
After a redshirt season in 2003, Chris became a fixture on the field for the Golden Eagles during the next four years, playing in 39 contests and starting 16 contests. He chalked up 158 total tackles including 101 unassisted tackles from his cornerback spot. In addition to his jarring stops, he also recovered seven fumbles during his career, caused two fumbles and broke up 16 passes. He had three career interceptions and finished with eight tackles-for-loss.
   
During his prep days, he was a two-way player for coach Don Thomas at LaVergne High School, starting at tailback and free safety. He rushed for 3,650 yards and finished his prep career with 231 tackles for the Wolverines.
   
He joined the Golden Eagle coaching staff as a graduate assistant coach in 2010 to pursue a master’s degree. Prior to retturning to Tech, he served as an assistant coach at LaVergne High School under head coach Will Hester. In that position, he coached the defensive backs and special teams.
   
Chris, 27, first graduated from Tech in 2008 with a degree in multidisciplinary studies and received his master’s degree in May.