Eastern Kentucky University Athletics

Jim Tanara came to Eastern Kentucky in 1979 to serve as the Colonels’ defensive down linemen coach after 11 years on Bear Bryant’s Alabama staff working with the Crimson Tide’s defensive front.  He continued his career at EKU working with both head coaches Roy Kidd and Danny Hope. 
 
Tanara was a part of 228 Colonel wins and 17 NCAA playoff appearances, including two national championship titles.  He closed his Eastern Kentucky career holding the title of defensive coordinator while also coaching the defensive line from 1999-2005.  In 2001 and 2002, his defense ranked atop the Ohio Valley Conference and was ranked among the top 10 nationally.  He guided five Colonels who received OVC Defensive Player of the Year honors – linebacker Justen Rivers, defensive back Yeremiah Bell, defensive lineman Chad Bratzke, defensive end David Wilkins and defensive tackle Aaron Jones. 
 
While at Alabama, Tanara was a member of the staff that directed the Tide to two national championships and appearances in 11 bowl games.  He also served as Alabama’s head wrestling coach for 11 seasons. 
 
Tanara started three years at both defensive end and tight end for Chattanooga where he received his bachelor’s degree in 1965.  He later earned his master’s degree from Alabama in 1970.