Career
He served as the head coach at Valdosta State University (1986–1991), East Tennessee State University (1992–1996) and Southern Methodist University (1997–2001), compiling a career college football record of 89–83–2. Cavan played as a quarterback at the University of Georgia from 1968 to 1970 and was an assistant coach there from 1977 to 1985. Assistant coaches who have worked under Cavan and have gone on to become head coaches include: David Dean, Darrell Dickey, and Derek Dooley.