John Francis "Chick" Meehan (September 5, 1893 – November 9, 1972) was an American college football player and coach. He served as the head football coach at Syracuse University (1920–1924), New York University (1925–1931), and Manhattan College (1932–1937), compiling a career coaching record of 115–44–14. Meehan played quarterback at Syracuse from 1915 to 1917.
Meehan stated, "We learn practically nothing from a victory. All our information comes from a defeat. A winner forgets most of his mistakes."[1]
From 1920 to 1924, Meehan served as the head coach at Syracuse and compiled a 35–8–4 record. This total included back-to-back eight-win seasons in 1923 and 1924.[2]
Meehan was the 19th head football coach at New York University (NYU), serving for seven seasons, from 1925 to 1931, and compiling a record of 49–15–4.[3] This ranks him first at NYU in total wins and first at NYU in winning percentage.[4] Meehan was awarded a place in NYU's athletic hall of fame for his coaching efforts.[5]
Meehan's last head coaching job was as at Manhattan College. He held that position for six seasons, from 1932 until 1937. His career coaching record at Manhattan was 31–21–6. This ranks him first at Manhattan in total wins and second at Manhattan in winning percentage.[6]
Meehan died at the age of 79 on November 9, 1972, at a hospital in Syracuse, New York.[7]
Don't be discouraged if you fail in your first efforts. Coach Meehan of New York University says, 'We learn practically nothing from a victory. All our information comes from a defeat. A winner forgets most of his mistakes.'"
