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Chris Tabor
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Chris Tabor (born March 4, 1971) is an American football coach who is the special teams coordinator for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League (NFL). He has also served as an assistant coach for the Cleveland Browns (from 2011 to 2017) and the Chicago Bears (from 2018 to 2021), and has more than 20 years of coaching experience between the high school, collegiate and professional levels.[1]
Key Information
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Early life and education
[edit]Tabor earned a degree in physical education in 1993 at Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas, where he was a three-year starter at quarterback for the Benedictine Ravens. He was an all-conference selection and team MVP in 1992, when the Ravens won the Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC) championship, and advanced to the NAIA Division II national semifinals. In 2017 Tabor was elected into the Benedictine College Hall of Fame.[2] He earned his master's degree in education in 1999 from Columbia (Mo.) College.
Coaching career
[edit]Early career
[edit]Tabor started his coaching career in 1993 as an assistant at his alma mater, Benton High School, in St. Joseph, Missouri. The following year, he coached running backs at Hutchinson Community College, in Hutchinson, Kansas, before serving as the offensive coordinator at Central Methodist University from 1995 to 1996.
Missouri
[edit]In 1997, Tabor was hired by the University of Missouri as a graduate assistant. He would serve in that role for three years before being promoted to their running backs and special teams coach in 2000. While Tabor was there, the Tigers ranked in the nation's top 10 for rushing offense and they played in two bowl games.
Culver–Stockton College
[edit]In 2001, Tabor was hired as the head football coach at Culver–Stockton College in Canton, Missouri. He led the program to a 6–5 record, the school's first winning season in 15 years.[3] In Tabor's only season there, his team set school records for points scored, touchdowns and total yards, and ranked 17th in the NAIA in total defense and 10th in pass defense.
Utah State
[edit]In 2002, Tabor joined Utah State University as their assistant head coach and wide receivers coach. In 2005, he served as their running backs and special teams coach.
Western Michigan University
[edit]Tabor spent two seasons (2006 and 2007) at Western Michigan University as the running backs and special teams coach.
Chicago Bears (first stint)
[edit]Tabor left college-level football and got his first shot in the National Football League (NFL) when he spent three seasons (2008–2010) as assistant special teams coach with the Chicago Bears. He worked under coordinator Dave Toub on head coach Lovie Smith's staff. During Tabor's tenure with the Bears, Chicago consistently ranked among the league leaders in numerous departments. The Bears ranked in the top five in no less than nine different special teams categories combined over that three-year period. Chicago led the NFL in total return yards (6,570) and kickoff return yards (5,415), posted the second-best kickoff return average (25.1), ranked third in punt return defense (7.1) and produced the fifth-best punt return average (10.4). The Bears also registered six total kick returns for touchdowns in that time, which tied for second-most in the league.[4]
Cleveland Browns
[edit]In 2011, Tabor was hired by the Cleveland Browns as their special teams coordinator. During Tabor's tenure in Cleveland, the Browns were the only NFL team to have earned at least one AFC Special Teams Player of the Week award each season from 2011 to 2016. In total, the Browns won seven AFC Special Teams Player of the Week awards. He also oversaw kicker Phil Dawson[5] and returner Joshua Cribbs[6] in 2012 when both were selected to the Pro Bowl, marking just the second time in team history that two specialists made the annual all-star game in the same season. Also during his tenure with the Browns, they led the NFL in punt return average (11.3 yards), were first in kickoff return average against (19.8) and were tied for sixth in punt return touchdowns (4).
Chicago Bears (second stint)
[edit]On January 12, 2018, Tabor returned to the Chicago Bears as their special teams coordinator under head coach Matt Nagy.[7]
On October 25, 2021, Nagy tested positive for COVID-19, resulting in Tabor taking over as the interim head coach. On October 31, Tabor made his NFL head coaching debut in the Bears' Week 8 game against the San Francisco 49ers, with the Bears suffering a 33–22 loss.
Carolina Panthers
[edit]On January 27, 2022, Tabor was hired by the Carolina Panthers as their special teams coordinator under head coach Matt Rhule.[8] On November 27, 2023, Tabor was named interim head coach after head coach Frank Reich was fired.[9] Tabor completed the season, leading the Panthers to a 1–5 record. On January 26, 2024, he was let go by the Panthers.[10]
Buffalo Bills
[edit]On February 11, 2025, the Buffalo Bills hired Tabor to serve as their special teams coordinator.[11]
Miami Dolphins
[edit]On January 23, 2026, the Miami Dolphins hired Tabor to serve as their special teams coordinator.[12]
Personal life
[edit]Tabor grew up in a football family; his father, Don, coached high school football in Missouri for 40 years and all of his brothers (Donnie, Matt and Michael) played football at Benedictine College.[13]
Tabor and his wife, Nikki (nee Graves), have two daughters, Paityn and Lainey.
Head coaching record
[edit]College
[edit]| Year | Team | Overall | Conference | Standing | Bowl/playoffs | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Culver–Stockton Wildcats (Heart of America Athletic Conference) (2001) | |||||||||
| 2001 | Culver–Stockton | 6–5 | 5–5 | T–4th | |||||
| Culver–Stockton: | 6–5 | 5–5 | |||||||
| Total: | 6–5 | ||||||||
NFL
[edit]| Team | Year | Regular season | Postseason | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Won | Lost | Ties | Win % | Finish | Won | Lost | Win % | Result | ||
| CHI* | 2021 | 0 | 1 | 0 | .000 | — | — | — | — | |
| CHI total | 0 | 1 | 0 | .000 | — | — | — | |||
| CAR* | 2023 | 1 | 5 | 0 | .167 | 4th in NFC South | — | — | — | — |
| CAR total | 1 | 5 | 0 | .167 | — | — | — | |||
| Total | 1 | 6 | 0 | .143 | 0 | 0 | .000 | |||
* Interim head coach
References
[edit]- ^ "Chris Tabor biography". ClevelandBrowns.com. Archived from the original on April 18, 2018.
- ^ "2017 Benedictine College Homecoming Features Hall of Fame Inductions". August 31, 2018.
- ^ "Guenther resigns as Culver-Stockton College football coach". Herald-Whig. April 8, 2024. Retrieved October 2, 2024.
- ^ Cabot, Mary Kay (January 25, 2011). "Cleveland Browns hire former Bears assistant Chris Tabor as special teams coordinator". The Plain Dealer. Retrieved January 25, 2011.
- ^ Hangst, Andrea (December 27, 2012). "Finally, Cleveland Browns Kicker Phil Dawson Makes the Pro Bowl". Bleacher Report. Retrieved December 27, 2012.
- ^ Matt, Florjancic (January 27, 2013). "Cribbs proud to make Pro Bowl". ClevelandBrowns.com. Archived from the original on January 30, 2013. Retrieved January 27, 2013.
- ^ Finley, Patrick (January 12, 2018). "Chris Tabor is the Bears' new special teams coordinator". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved January 12, 2018.
- ^ Gantt, Darin (January 27, 2022). "Panthers agree to terms with Chris Tabor". Carolina Panthers. Retrieved January 27, 2022.
- ^ Gantt, Darin (November 27, 2023). "Panthers part ways with head coach Frank Reich". Panthers.com. Retrieved November 27, 2023.
- ^ Williams, Charean (January 26, 2024). "Report: Panthers will not retain Chris Tabor, allowing him to interview elsewhere". NBC Sports. Retrieved February 15, 2024.
- ^ "NFL news roundup: Bills hiring former Panthers interim HC Chris Tabor as special teams coordinator". NFL.com. February 11, 2025. Retrieved February 12, 2025.
- ^ Thames, Alanis (January 23, 2026). "Dolphins hire Atlanta's Kyle Smith as assistant GM and Buffalo's Chris Tabor to lead special teams". AP.com. Associated Press. Retrieved January 24, 2026.
- ^ Florjancic, Matt (November 10, 2013). "Chris Tabor driven by memory of father, his coaching legacy". Akron Beacon Journal. Retrieved May 18, 2024.
Chris Tabor
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Biography
Early life
Chris Tabor was born on March 4, 1971, in St. Joseph, Missouri.[1] He grew up as the second-oldest of five children to Don and Mary Jane Tabor, with his father serving as a high school football coach for 40 years, including 32 years in St. Joseph, and his mother as a stay-at-home parent.[7][8] Don Tabor's career earned him induction into the Missouri Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame, establishing a strong football legacy in the family.[8] Tabor's childhood in the 1970s and 1980s on Felix Street in St. Joseph revolved around a close-knit, football-oriented family environment. The Tabor household emphasized school, sports, and attendance at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, with family traditions including watching New Year's Day bowl games on multiple stacked televisions.[7] He and his siblings often played pickup football games in a nearby vacant lot using old equipment borrowed from their father's coaching supplies, fostering an early immersion in the sport.[7] The influences from his family and hometown profoundly shaped Tabor's passion for football. He idolized his father's coaching approach, which balanced toughness with genuine care for players' potential, often expressing a desire to "be my dad."[7] A notable anecdote involves rough-and-tumble games with his siblings, including his younger sister Elizabeth, whom the brothers encouraged to "toughen up" despite societal norms of the era, highlighting the competitive yet supportive dynamic that built his foundational love for the game.[7] St. Joseph's tight-knit community further reinforced values of teamwork and relationships, which permeated Tabor's early development.[7]Education and playing career
Tabor attended Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas, where he earned a bachelor's degree in physical education with minors in education and Spanish in 1993.[9] As a three-year starting quarterback for the Benedictine Ravens, leading the team during the 1991 and 1992 seasons, Tabor threw for 3,633 yards and rushed for 1,177 yards, earning all-conference honors and serving as team MVP in 1992.[10][11][12] He led the team to a 19-5 record over his starting seasons, including a victory in the 1991 Steamboat Bowl and the program's first Heart of America Athletic Conference championship in 1992.[5][13] In 1999, Tabor obtained a Master of Arts in Teaching from Columbia College in Columbia, Missouri.[14][15] For his contributions as a quarterback, Tabor was inducted into the Benedictine College Raven Athletic Hall of Fame in 2021.[16][17]Personal life
Chris Tabor is married to Nikki Tabor (née Graves), and the couple has two daughters, Paityn and Lainey.[18][8] Tabor has often described himself as a devoted family man, crediting his wife and daughters for providing stability amid the demands of his coaching career.[19][18] In 2024, Tabor took a sabbatical from coaching—the first such break in his career since 1993—prioritizing time with his family in his native St. Joseph, Missouri.[20] During this period, he attended his youngest daughter's entire soccer season and supported his oldest daughter as she started her first job, activities he later called a "blessing" that allowed him to fully embrace his role as a father.[20] Tabor has spoken publicly about the challenges of balancing the nomadic nature of NFL coaching with family life, noting in a 2025 interview that the year off helped him enjoy football purely as a fan while reconnecting with loved ones.[20] Following the sabbatical, Tabor expressed feeling rejuvenated and inspired to return to coaching, attributing the renewed energy to the family-focused respite that reinforced his personal priorities.[20] His roots in Missouri continue to influence his lifestyle, with the region serving as a grounding base for family gatherings and downtime away from professional commitments.[20]Coaching career
Early coaching positions
Tabor began his coaching career immediately after graduating from Benedictine College, where he had played quarterback, by joining the staff at his alma mater, Benton High School in St. Joseph, Missouri, as an assistant coach in 1993. Working under his father, who was the head coach, Tabor contributed to a Cardinals team that advanced to the Class 4 state playoffs, defeating Lafayette High School 24-15 in the district final, Belton High School 14-2 in the sectional round, before falling 0-46 to Webb City in the quarterfinals. This entry-level role provided Tabor with foundational experience in high school football operations, including player development and game preparation, at a program in the competitive Missouri State High School Activities Association.[10][21] In 1994, Tabor advanced to the junior college level as the running backs coach at Hutchinson Community College in Hutchinson, Kansas, under head coach Andy Hill. During his tenure, the Blue Dragons achieved an 8-4 overall record and a 5-1 mark in the Jayhawk Conference, finishing second in the league and qualifying for the postseason. Tabor's responsibilities focused on coaching the running backs unit, emphasizing blocking schemes, ball security, and explosive plays, which helped build his expertise in position-specific training and offensive fundamentals at the NJCAA Division I level.[22][23] Tabor's progression continued from 1995 to 1996 as the offensive coordinator at Central Methodist College (now University) in Fayette, Missouri, an NAIA program. In this elevated role, he designed and implemented offensive strategies, calling plays and overseeing the unit's performance in the Heart of America Conference. These two seasons honed Tabor's skills in offensive coordination, including play-calling, scheme innovation, and quarterback development, laying the groundwork for his future roles in higher-level college and professional football by demonstrating his ability to lead complex offensive systems at the small-college level.[24]University of Missouri
Chris Tabor served as an offensive graduate assistant coach at the University of Missouri from 1997 to 1999, where he primarily worked with the offensive line and scout teams, developing a deep familiarity with the Tigers' offensive system and personnel.[25][26] In 2000, Tabor was promoted to full-time running backs coach and special teams coach under head coach Larry Smith, marking his first role in those capacities at a Division I program.[27][2] This promotion aligned with a significant restructuring of Missouri's offensive staff, including new coordinators Andy Hill and Bill Cubit, to integrate a balanced scheme combining ground-and-pound rushing with expanded passing elements.[28] As running backs coach, Tabor managed a position group that averaged 154.2 rushing yards per game and 3.8 yards per carry, contributing to the team's overall offensive strategy despite a challenging 3-8 record (2-6 in the Big 12).[29] Tabor's tenure also introduced him to special teams coordination at the major college level, where the Tigers showed early promise by blocking two punts in their season opener against Western Illinois and benefiting from a high snap over the punter's head in the following game against McNeese State.[30] These efforts underscored his initial focus on aggressive special teams play, though the unit operated within a squad that struggled to achieve bowl eligibility.[29]Culver–Stockton College
In 2001, Chris Tabor was appointed head football coach at Culver–Stockton College, a small NAIA institution in Canton, Missouri, marking his first head coaching position after serving as a graduate assistant for special teams at the University of Missouri.[12][11] Tabor inherited a program that had struggled for over a decade, facing typical NAIA-level challenges such as limited recruiting budgets, smaller rosters, and competition within the Heart of America Athletic Conference, where resources paled in comparison to higher divisions.[31] Despite these constraints, he emphasized offensive innovation and player development to revitalize the Wildcats, focusing on balanced attacks that improved team cohesion and execution.[12] Under Tabor's leadership, the Wildcats achieved a 6–5 overall record (.545 winning percentage) and a 5–5 mark in conference play, securing fourth place in the league—their best finish since joining in 1980.[12] This marked the program's first winning season in 15 years (since 1986) and the most victories since 1974, when they won seven games.[11][31] The offense set multiple school records, including 296 points scored, 39 touchdowns, and 4,003 total yards, while ranking third nationally in NAIA total offense at 364.5 yards per game and fourth in scoring at 26.9 points per game.[12] Defensively, the team showed improvement by allowing just 283.9 yards per game (17th in NAIA total defense) and 138.4 passing yards per game (10th in NAIA pass defense), highlighting Tabor's ability to foster disciplined play in a rebuilding effort.[12] Although specific standout games were not widely documented, the season's consistency—capped by non-conference and conference wins that built momentum—underscored emerging player growth in fundamentals like blocking, tackling, and special teams execution.[12] Tabor's tenure lasted only one season, as he departed in December 2001 for an assistant coaching role at Utah State University, seeking greater visibility and resources at the Division I level.[12][31] This transition reflected the transient nature of early-career coaching moves, where opportunities at larger programs often prioritize long-term advancement over extended stays at smaller institutions.[11]Utah State University
In 2002, Chris Tabor joined the Utah State Aggies football staff as assistant head coach and wide receivers coach, marking his return to the assistant coaching ranks following a head coaching stint at Culver–Stockton College.[32] He retained these dual responsibilities through the 2004 season, during which the Aggies transitioned from independent status in 2002—posting a 4–7 record—to Sun Belt Conference membership in 2003 and 2004, finishing 3–9 and 3–8, respectively.[33][34] In February 2004, Tabor received formal recognition of his expanded leadership role with the official title of assistant head coach, underscoring his growing influence within the program under head coach Mick Dennehy.[35] Tabor's work with the wide receivers group focused on developing the passing attack amid the team's evolving offensive schemes, contributing to consistent production in a run-oriented system despite modest overall records.[32] Key examples included the 2003 season, where the Aggies averaged 23.4 points per game and secured three conference wins, their strongest Sun Belt performance during his early tenure.[33] In 2005, following a coaching staff reorganization under new head coach Brent Guy, Tabor shifted to running backs coach and special teams coordinator as the program moved to the Western Athletic Conference (WAC), where the team finished 3–8.[36][24] This role allowed him to integrate his expertise across offensive position groups and special teams units, emphasizing blocking schemes for the run game and coverage strategies that supported the Aggies' efforts in a transitional year.[32] Over his four seasons at Utah State (2002–2005), Tabor helped guide the program through conference changes and staff transitions, compiling a 13–32 overall record while building foundational elements of the offense and special teams.[37]Western Michigan University
Chris Tabor joined Western Michigan University in March 2006 as the running backs coach and special teams coordinator, replacing long-time assistant Brian Rock.[9] During the 2006 season, Tabor guided freshman running back Brandon West, who appeared in all 13 games with five starts, rushing for 633 yards on 131 carries at 4.8 yards per attempt and scoring three touchdowns, while also contributing on kick returns for an additional 729 yards. West's performance earned him honorable mention on The Sporting News' Freshman All-America team.[38][39] The Broncos finished 8–5 overall and 6–2 in Mid-American Conference play, securing second place in the MAC West Division and earning their first bowl appearance since 1988 in the International Bowl, where they lost 24–27 to Cincinnati.[40] In 2007, Tabor's running backs unit was led by the sophomore West, who emerged as the team's top rusher with 848 yards on 183 carries at 4.6 yards per attempt and four touchdowns; he also added 45 receptions for 365 yards and two scores, totaling 1,213 all-purpose yards across 12 games. On special teams, kicker Mike Jones earned MAC West Special Teams Player of the Week honors in Week 7 after connecting on a 21-yard field goal and pinning two punts inside the 20-yard line against Northern Illinois.[41][42] The Broncos posted a 5–7 record and 3–4 mark in the MAC that year. Tabor's dual responsibilities at Western Michigan honed his skills in player development and unit coordination at the Division I level, leveraging foundational special teams experience from prior roles to contribute to competitive MAC performances and position him for professional coaching opportunities.[24]Chicago Bears (first stint)
Chris Tabor began his NFL coaching career with the Chicago Bears in 2008 as assistant special teams coach, serving under coordinator Dave Toub for three seasons through 2010.[43] In this role, Tabor supported the development of return specialists and contributed to strategic planning for kickoffs, punts, and coverage units, building on his prior college experience coaching special teams at Western Michigan University.[43] The Bears' special teams unit, known for its explosive return game, ranked among the league's elite during Tabor's tenure, particularly in 2010 when the team achieved a 11-5 regular-season record, won the NFC North division, defeated the Seattle Seahawks 35-24 in the Wild Card playoff round, and fell 21-14 to the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship Game. Tabor's work emphasized player development, notably with returners like Devin Hester—the NFL's all-time leader in combined kick return touchdowns—and Danieal Manning, who helped drive the unit's performance.[43] Over the 2008-2010 period, the Bears led the NFL in total return yards (6,570) and kickoff return yards (5,415), ranked second in kickoff return average (25.1 yards) and returns for touchdowns (6), third in punt return defense (7.1 yards allowed), and fifth in punt return average (10.4 yards).[43] In 2010 specifically, the unit topped the league in punt return average (17.1 yards), placed second in kickoff return average (25.4 yards) and average drive start (31.5-yard line), and ranked ninth in punt return defense (7.8 yards allowed), contributing to the team's postseason push despite earlier seasons of 9-7 (2008) and 7-9 (2009) records that missed the playoffs.[43]Cleveland Browns
Chris Tabor joined the Cleveland Browns in 2011 as special teams coordinator, marking his first full NFL coordinator position after serving as an assistant with the Chicago Bears. Under his leadership from 2011 to 2017, the Browns' special teams unit demonstrated consistency amid frequent head coaching transitions, including stints under Pat Shurmur, Rob Chudzinski, Mike Pettine, and Hue Jackson. Tabor's tenure provided stability to the coaching staff, as he was retained through four head coaches in six years, a rarity in the NFL's high-turnover environment for assistants.[44][45] Tabor emphasized a strong return game, with the Browns leading the NFL in punt return average at 11.3 yards per return since his arrival in 2011. The unit tied for fifth in kickoff return average against at 21.7 yards during that period. In 2015, Cleveland ranked fourth league-wide in punt return average (11.2 yards) and fifth in kickoff return yards (2,327). Tabor's strategies focused on player development and aggressive play, contributing to the Browns earning at least one AFC Special Teams Player of the Week award every season from 2011 to 2016—the only NFL team to achieve this streak—with a total of seven such honors.[24][24] Notable player developments under Tabor included return specialists Josh Cribbs, a Pro Bowl selection during the 2011-2012 seasons, and Travis Benjamin, who ranked third in the NFL in punt return average (11.6 yards) in 2015. Tabor also coached kicker Phil Dawson to Pro Bowl status in 2012 and helped cornerback Johnson Bademosi earn Pro Bowl alternate recognition in 2015 for his special teams contributions. These efforts underscored Tabor's role in fostering talent that enhanced the unit's performance and team morale despite the Browns' overall struggles.[24][46][47]Chicago Bears (second stint)
On January 12, 2018, Chris Tabor rejoined the Chicago Bears as special teams coordinator under head coach Matt Nagy, marking his return to the organization where he had previously served as assistant special teams coach from 2008 to 2010.[48] Tabor inherited a unit that had been one of the league's strongest during his earlier tenure but faced challenges in integrating with Nagy's new offensive and defensive schemes. Over his four seasons, Tabor emphasized aggressive play-calling and player development, focusing on core specialists like kicker Cairo Santos and punter Pat O'Donnell to provide consistent field position advantages.[49] Tabor's special teams unit showed steady improvement after a turbulent 2018 season, where it ranked in the top 10 overall in Rick Gosselin's annual special teams rankings despite a high-profile playoff mishap. In 2018, the Bears finished 12-4 and earned the NFC's No. 2 seed, with the unit contributing through strong punting—O'Donnell averaged 45.2 yards per punt, ranking eighth in the NFL—but struggling with field goal accuracy, as Cody Parkey's missed 43-yarder famously ricocheted off the uprights twice in a 16-15 wild-card loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.[50] The following year, in 2019, the unit ranked 23rd in Gosselin's system amid an 8-8 season without playoffs, but Tabor adapted by bolstering coverage teams, which limited opponents to a league-low 7.8 yards per punt return. By 2020, the Bears' special teams climbed to third in Gosselin's rankings during an 8-8 campaign that secured a playoff berth; Santos set a franchise record with 93.9% field goal accuracy (31 of 33), including 3-for-3 in a 21-9 wild-card win over the New Orleans Saints, while the unit's kickoff coverage allowed just 17.9 yards per return, supporting the defense's postseason efforts. In 2021, despite a 6-11 finish, the group ranked seventh in Football Outsiders' DVOA metric and ninth in Gosselin's rankings, marking the fourth consecutive top-10 finish, with O'Donnell's net punting average of 40.2 yards aiding drive starts deep in opponent territory.[51][49] Amid head coach transitions, Tabor stepped into an interim head coaching role on October 31, 2021, when Nagy tested positive for COVID-19 and missed Week 8 against the San Francisco 49ers. Tabor, who had been with Nagy since the coach's arrival in 2018, oversaw preparations and called plays for the game, resulting in a 33-22 loss that dropped the Bears to 3-5; he focused on maintaining team continuity and morale during the one-game absence.[52] This experience highlighted Tabor's leadership within the staff, especially as Nagy's tenure ended with his firing after the season, leading to a full coaching overhaul under new head coach Matt Eberflus. Tabor's special teams provided reliable support throughout Nagy's era, helping stabilize field position in a period of offensive inconsistency and defensive strength.[53]Carolina Panthers
Chris Tabor joined the Carolina Panthers as special teams coordinator in 2022, hired by head coach Matt Rhule to overhaul a unit that had struggled in prior seasons.[54] Under his leadership, the Panthers' special teams ranked in the top 10 league-wide in defensive value over average (DVOA) that year, marking a significant improvement after the team cycled through multiple kickers early in the season.[55][3] This performance contributed to Carolina's 7-10 record and a tie for second place in the competitive NFC South, where special teams edges often proved decisive in divisional matchups against teams like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. In 2023, Tabor's special teams unit faced greater challenges amid the Panthers' overall 2-15 campaign, dropping to 23rd in DVOA amid injuries and inconsistencies that hampered field position battles.[55] Despite the regression, Tabor earned high praise from players, ranking as the NFL Players Association's second-highest rated special teams coordinator for the season, reflecting his effective coaching and rapport with the roster in a division where opponents like the New Orleans Saints and Falcons frequently tested Carolina's coverage and return units.[56] These efforts helped stabilize key moments, such as punt coverage, though the unit struggled with return yardage against NFC South rivals. On November 27, 2023, following the midseason firing of head coach Frank Reich, Tabor was elevated to interim head coach for the final six games, becoming the third person to hold the role in Carolina that year.[57] He guided the 1-10 team to a 1-5 record, with the lone victory coming in a 23-10 divisional win over the Falcons on December 17, where improved special teams play, including strong punt protection, limited Atlanta's return opportunities.[1] Tabor's management emphasized stability and morale, retaining offensive coordinator Thomas Brown to call plays under the advisory guidance of senior adviser Jim Caldwell while making targeted staff adjustments, such as promoting Parks Frazier to quarterbacks coach after replacing Josh McCown and Duce Staley.[57] Tabor's strategies focused on a step-by-step process to foster execution, drawing from his prior one-game interim stint with the Chicago Bears in 2021 to prioritize daily preparation over sweeping changes.[57] He instilled a philosophy of playing "loose, not reckless" to support young quarterback Bryce Young, incorporating humor and levity into meetings—such as short, intense football discussions followed by light-hearted stories—to boost engagement and recall among a frustrated roster.[11] Team-building elements, like a front-desk bell to signal meeting starts and playful fines for minor infractions (e.g., $5 for bad haircuts), helped create camaraderie, earning praise from players like long snapper JJ Jansen for Tabor's teaching prowess and from linebacker Brian Burns for his balanced, fun-loving leadership.[11] Despite the losses, which included breakdowns in key moments against NFC South foes like the Buccaneers, Tabor's approach aimed to rebuild confidence for the future.[58]Sabbatical year
In 2024, Chris Tabor opted for a sabbatical from coaching, marking his first extended break after more than 30 years in the profession since 1993. This intentional pause followed his tenure with the Carolina Panthers and allowed him to step away from the demands of NFL special teams coordination.[20] During this year, Tabor focused on recharging personally and prioritizing family time, including attending his youngest daughter's full soccer season and supporting his oldest daughter as she transitioned into her first job. He described the period as a chance to embrace his role as a family man away from the rigors of coaching schedules.[20] In a July 2025 interview, Tabor shared that he initially doubted he would enjoy the time off but ultimately viewed it as a blessing, enabling him to engage with football purely as a fan by watching college and NFL games without professional responsibilities. This experience provided rejuvenation, leaving him refreshed and eager to return to coaching.[20] Professionally, Tabor maintained his NFL ties by serving as a consultant on draft picks, which helped sustain his network and visibility in league circles during the gap. This strategic involvement ensured he remained connected to the evolving landscape of player evaluation and team-building.[20]Buffalo Bills
On February 11, 2025, the Buffalo Bills hired Chris Tabor as their special teams coordinator, replacing Matthew Smiley who had been dismissed earlier that week following a disappointing 2024 season for the unit.[48][4] Tabor, coming off a sabbatical year in 2024, joined head coach Sean McDermott's staff as a veteran addition to address longstanding issues in coverage, blocking, and return efficiency that had plagued the Bills' special teams.[59][60] Tabor quickly integrated into the Bills' coaching structure, emphasizing competition and evaluation during the offseason and training camp to build a more dynamic unit. His focus included resolving the punter position through an open battle, identifying versatile kick returners from a competitive roster depth, and implementing strategies to adapt to evolving NFL rules on returns and kickoffs.[61][62] In a June 3, 2025, post-practice interview, Tabor discussed his excitement about the hiring process and early impressions of the roster, highlighting the punter competition as a key area for improvement and praising the potential of several candidates for kick return duties.[61] Widely regarded as one of the NFL's top special teams minds—having been voted the second-best coordinator by the NFL Players Association in 2023—Tabor's arrival was expected to elevate the Bills' performance, bringing his track record of developing Pro Bowl talent and fostering intensity to a group seeking consistency heading into the 2025 season.[60][4]Head coaching record
College
Chris Tabor served as head coach at the college level for only one season, at Culver–Stockton College in 2001, where he compiled a 6–5 regular season record and a .545 winning percentage.[12][63] His overall college head coaching record totals 6–5 (.545), with no additional stints in that role.[12][3]NFL
Chris Tabor has served in interim head coaching roles in the NFL twice, both as a special teams coordinator elevated to the position temporarily, without ever holding a permanent head coaching job. His first opportunity came with the Chicago Bears in 2021, when he led the team for one game after head coach Matt Nagy was sidelined by COVID-19; the Bears lost to the San Francisco 49ers 33–22, giving Tabor a 0–1 record (.000 winning percentage).[64] In 2023, Tabor took over as interim head coach for the Carolina Panthers following the midseason dismissal of Frank Reich, guiding the team through its final six games with a 1–5 record (.167 winning percentage), including a 9–7 win over the Atlanta Falcons in Week 15.[65] Tabor's combined NFL head coaching record is 1–6 (.143 winning percentage) across seven games.| Team | Year(s) | G | W | L | T | Win % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago Bears (interim) | 2021 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | .000 |
| Carolina Panthers (interim) | 2023 | 6 | 1 | 5 | 0 | .167 |
| Total | 7 | 1 | 6 | 0 | .143 |