Shay McClure begins his third season as SMSU's defensive coordinator in 2021.
McClure came to SMSU after spending four seasons (2015-18) at Division II Dixie State University (Utah), including the past three as head coach.
During his three seasons as head coach at DSU, McClure helped the program set 26 school records, while twice leading the team to winning seasons, including a record seven victories in 2018. He finished his tenure at DSU with a record of 18-15, coaching the only two winning seasons in the program’s 13 years as a four-year school. The team also finished with a winning record in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference all three seasons. Prior to taking over as head coach, McClure spent the 2015 season as defensive coordinator at DSU.
Prior to joining the DSU staff, McClure spent nine seasons (2006-14) as the defensive coordinator and recruiting coordinator at Humboldt State University (Calif.). His defensive units consistently ranked among the top of the Great Northwest Athletic Conference and in the NCAA. The HSU defense in 2014 led the nation in sacks, ranked eighth in total defense and 17
th in scoring defense. In 2011, HSU finished 9-1, won the GNAC title and finished ranked No. 13 in the final AFCA Top 25 poll.
From 2002-05, McClure served as defensive coordinator and recruiting coordinator at Southern Oregon University. The 2002 squad qualified for the NAIA playoffs, while in 2005 he served as interim head coach. He also coached linebackers and was special teams co-coordinator during his tenure at SOU.
McClure has also been defensive coordinator and recruiting coordinator at Occidental College (Calif.) from 1999-2001, where he helped the program to a conference championship in 2001. He also spent time as a secondary coach at both the University of San Diego (1997-98) and Southern Oregon (1995-96).
McClure is a 1996 graduate of Southern Oregon University with a degree in physical education. He also earned his master’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from SOU in 2007. He played defensive back at SOU from 1990-94.
