Dixie State University Director of Athletics Dr. Jason Boothe formally introduced Shay McClure as the new head football coach at a press conference Monday afternoon. McClure had served as DSU’s director of defense this past season.
“I would like to thank President [Dr. Richard B.] Williams, Dr. Boothe and our administration for this opportunity,” McClure said. “I am excited about the direction of the program and what is being provided for us in facility and scholarship improvements, and the opportunity to win.
“I’m also excited about going into a new [Rocky Mountain Athletic] conference and the possibilities that that brings to this program. I’m looking forward to getting going and working hard and getting this recruiting class in.”
Prior to his arrival to Dixie State, McClure spent nine seasons at Humboldt State University from 2006-14, where he served as defensive coordinator and recruiting coordinator. While at HSU, he consistently had the Lumberjacks ranked near the top of the Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC) and NCAA Division II in most defensive categories. In 2011, his defense helped propel Humboldt to a 9-1 overall record and the GNAC title, along with a No. 13 ranking in the final AFCA Division II poll.
“I am thrilled to be able announce the hiring of Shay as our next head football coach,” Dr. Boothe said. “After a very thorough nationwide search, which generated a fantastic pool of candidates with varying levels and types of experience, Shay established himself as a front-runner with his 21 years of experience coaching college football at the NAIA, FCS and Division II levels. He has proven to be an excellent recruiter, which is a key component to a successful program. Additionally, he has played an integral part of building very successful football programs in his career.”
Before his tenure at Humboldt, McClure served as defensive and recruiting coordinator at Southern Oregon University from 2002-06, where he was interim head coach during the 2005 season. In his first season in 2002, the Raiders made the quarterfinals of the NAIA national playoff. In addition, McClure coached linebackers and served as special teams coordinator at SOU.
McClure also spent three seasons (1999-02) at Occidental College in California as a defensive and recruiting coordinator, helping lead the team to an 8-1 record and the 2001 Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference championship. He also had stints as a secondary coach and special teams coordinator at the University of San Diego from 1997-99 and as a defensive backs coach at Southern Oregon from 1995-96.
“He is the right fit for what Dixie State football needs as we look to continue to grow this program as we enter the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference next year,” Boothe said. “His passion for the job and for Dixie State University, his commitment to the student-athletes and fans, and his tireless work ethic prepare him very well to succeed in this job.
“I look forward to working very closely with him to create excitement within the university and the community as this program grows to become a force in our conference and on a national level."
A native of McCloud, California, McClure earned a bachelor’s degree in health and physical education and a master’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from Southern Oregon, where he played defensive back from 1992-94. He and his wife Stacey are the parents of three children, Taryn, Daeton and Aubree.
Steve Johnson is the Associate Athletic Director for Media Relations and Collegiate Licensing at Dixie State University. For more DSU Athletics news, please visit www.dixieathletics.com and follow Dixie State on Twitter at @DixieAthletics.