Chennis Berry
Title Offensive Line Coach
E-Mail chenniss.berry@howard.edu
Phone (202) 806- 5169
Fax (202) 806-9090


Chenniss Berry begins his second year with Howard University football as the Co-Offensive Coordinator/Offensive line coach. Under the tutelage of Berry, the offensive line proved to be one of the most improved units on the team last year.  Due to its marked progression, the Bison overall offense was the beneficiary as it ended up as one of the more balanced in the MEAC. 

Cory Gwinner served to be one of the examples of Berry’s coaching, being named to the 2011 MEAC team and to the pre-season 2012 all-MEAC first team. 

Over his career, Berry has also shown a willingness to expand his coaching knowledge.  As part of the NFL’s Minority Internship Program, Berry has interned with six different NFL teams (Jaguars, Colts, Browns, Lions, Chargers, and Bears). In 2009, he participated in the NCAA Expert Coaches Academy Forum.  The program prepares young minority assistant coaches for head coaching positions. 

Berry is in his 18th season as a collegiate football coach.  Also, Berry is no stranger to the MEAC.  Before joining the Bison coaching staff, Berry spent five seasons with North Carolina A&T as the Aggies offensive coordinator and offensive line coach. In addition to coaching the Aggies offensive line, Berry was responsible for overseeing and constructing the Aggies offensive game plan. His other duties included serving the Aggies primary play-caller on game days.  His duties also included recruiting the Piedmont (NC), Fayetteville, N.C., and Metro Atlanta areas.
Prior to coaching at NC A&T, Berry served as Morgan State’s offensive coordinator and offensive line coach from 2006-2008. During Berry’s time there, the Bears featured one of the most effective running games in the MEAC.
In each of his three seasons with Morgan State, the Bears’ rushing offense ranked in the tops of the MEAC.

Berry began his career at Morris Brown College in Atlanta in 1996.  After one season with Morris Brown, Berry became the offensive line and tight ends coach as well as the strength and conditioning coordinator at Kentucky State  in 1997.  Behind Berry’s strong offensive line at Kentucky State, Alvon Brown broke several school and national Division II records, including the  single-season rushing record at KSU twice, and finishing his career as the school’s all-time leading rusher. He also rushed for 405 yards in a game on September 16, 2000, which at the time was a Division II single game record. Berry’s offensive line also helped Brown win the SIAC Player and Back of the Year awards on two occasions.  In 2001, Berry became the assistant head coach at Fort Valley State. He was responsible for  the Wildcats’ offensive linemen and tight ends. His impact at FVSU was immediately felt as Philip Shiflet earned SIAC Offensive Lineman of the Year and first-team Sheridan All-Americans honors in 2001.  Running back Orlando Wiley rushed for more than 1,400 yards that season and was named SIAC Player of the Year. The Wildcats’ running game led to a Division II playoff berth. The next year another Wildcats running back showcased his talent behind Berry’s linemen. Duron Croson was named SIAC Player and Back of the year in 2002. He also led black college football in rushing and was a first team Sheridan All-American. 

Berry is a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and the American Football Coaches Association.