Playing as a receiver in a run-oriented wishbone offense at Florida, Chandler set a school record with 28 touchdowns. He was named both an All-American and an Academic All-American in 1977. He was picked third overall by the New Orleans Saints in the 1978 NFL Draft. Over an 11-year NFL career, Chandler played for the Saints, the San Diego Chargers and the San Francisco 49ers. He holds the NFL record for most receiving yards per game in a season, set in 1982 with the Chargers. After retiring as a player, he became a football coach, and served as the wide receivers coach for various teams at the professional and college level.