McClendon named new DL coach

UConn football coach Jim Mora is adding Kenny McClendon to his staff as defensive line coach, the program announced Tuesday. McClendon served in the same role the last two seasons at FCS school Youngstown State.

The hiring is pending completion of the university onboarding process.

“I’m excited to welcome Kenny to the UConn Football family,” Mora said in a release. “He is an extremely hard worker and has a passion for helping student-athletes reach their potential. I know he can’t wait to get started and I look forward to him joining us in Storrs.”

Prior to landing at Youngstown State, McClendon spent three seasons as defensive line coach at Valdosta State.

In 2018, Valdosta State won its fourth Division II national championship in 14 years and finished undefeated for the first time at 14-0. The next season, the Blazers won their first 10 games before losing to eventual national champion West Florida in the opening round of the playoffs.

“I’m excited and blessed to be part of such an outstanding University, and on a staff made up of great people,” McClendon said. “Let’s get to work!”

McClendon’s hiring leaves special teams coach as the last position yet to be filled on Mora’s staff.

McClendon arrived at Valdosta State following a brief stint as a special teams coordinator and defensive line coach at Carthage College, a Division III program in Wisconsin.

In 2017, McClendon was a graduate assistant at Iowa State, helping the Cyclones to an 8-5 record and a victory in the Liberty Bowl.

He graduated from Central Michigan in 2013, where he was a 4-year letterwinner on the defensive line. He played 47 games with the Chippewas, recording 37 tackles (seven for a loss) and five forced fumbles.