William Jewell College Director of Athletics Tom Eisenhauer has announced that Mike McGlinchey has been named head coach of the Cardinal football program, effective January 29. A formal press conference introduction will be held Thursday, January 30 at 5:30 p.m. in Gano Assembly on the William Jewell campus.
McGlinchey becomes the 30
th head coach since the program's inception in 1894 and comes to the Cardinals after serving as the Co-Defensive Coordinator at Colorado School of Mines.
"I believe Mike brings a much-needed level of energy and enthusiasm to our program and is capable of cultivating an environment that encourages hard work, commitment, accountability, and fun," said Eisenhauer. "Not only that, he has demonstrated his ability to be a successful coach in NCAA-II at a very reputable, high caliber academic institution. I am confident that we found just what we needed in Coach McGlinchey and I look forward to working alongside him to rebuild this program."
"We are deeply excited about the future of William Jewell football under the leadership of our new head coach, Mike McGlinchey," added William Jewell President Dr. Elizabeth MacLeod Walls. "Coming from Colorado School of Mines, he appreciates the marriage of academic rigor and a meaningful athletic experience, and will build a positive culture in our program. I have no doubt that we will achieve success under Mike's leadership."
McGlinchey spent four years at Colorado School of Mines as the Co-Defensive Coordinator, working primarily with the defensive line, but has extensive experience on both sides of the ball. While with Mines he helped lead the Orediggers to three Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Championships and three NCAA-II National Playoff appearances. He coached 13 All-Conference performers and coordinated all aspects of the defense that led the nation in rush defense and third down defense in 2019. Additionally, his team was ninth nationally in total defense, allowing just 265 yards per game, 12
th in sacks, 13
th in scoring defense, and 19
th in tackles for loss last season. He also served as the special teams coach as the Orediggers allowed an average of just 10.6 yards on punt returns.
"My family and I would like to thank Dr. MacLeod Walls and Tom Eisenhauer for putting their faith in me as William Jewell's new head football coach," said McGlinchey. "The opportunity to lead a program at such a highly respected academic Institution, with well over a 100 years of football history, is truly amazing. To the active football roster, athletic department, and William Jewell alumni all across the country, this is our time to build something special together," he added. "I can't wait to personally meet all of you and get to work. Go Cardinals!"
Prior to his time at Mines, McGlinchey served as the defensive line coach at Salisbury University (Maryland) where he helped the Seagulls to a New Jersey Athletic Conference title and NCAA Playoff appearance during his only season. Before going to Salisbury, he spent three years at North Carolina Central University, working with special teams, running backs, and the defensive line while also serving as the academic liaison.
Over the course of the 10 years previous, McGlinchey made stops at Princeton, New Hampshire, Towson (Maryland) and the Las Vegas Locomotives of the United Football League. Eight of those years he spent with Towson, where he coached running backs and served as the special teams and recruiting coordinator. During that time, he coached three of the top running backs in program history.
As a player, he earned four letters at offensive guard and tight end for Towson where he appeared in 36 games with two touchdowns while being known for his outstanding blocking ability. As a senior, he was a part of the Tigers' impressive passing game which accounted for nearly 4,200 yards and 23 touchdowns. He earned his bachelor's degree in sports communication in 1999 after receiving a Patriot League All-Academic selection as a senior.
The son of a former college football coach Mike McGlinchey, Sr., who led Salisbury to the 1986 NCAA-III National Championship, he is a native of Frostburg, Maryland. As a graduate of Beall High School, he was a two-time All-Area selection and earned All-State honors as a senior at offensive guard after leading his team to a 23-2 record and a state championship appearance over his final two seasons.
He is married to wife Victoria and is the proud father of daughter Ashley and son Cole.
McGlinchey was selected from an applicant pool of more than 80 candidates with thanks to the work of the football search committee that included the following individuals:
- Dr. Blane Baker, Professor of Physics
- Rhett Caviel, Assistant Athletics Director for Compliance and Student Services
- Tom Eisenhauer, '06, Director Athletics
- JaeLynn Ellison, Assistant Athletics Director for Communication
- Pharamond Guice, Director of the Academic Achievement Center
- Brian Haines, Director of Admission
- Daniel Holt, Associate Vice President for Institutional Strategy
- Chris McCabe, Head Men's Basketball Coach
- Andrea Meloan, '99, Director of Alumni Relations
- Dr. Sarah Morrison, Professor of English
- Gage Rosier, Director of Athletic Performance
- Kevin Shaffstall, Director of the Pryor Center
"I am deeply indebted to the search committee for their tireless efforts," Eisenhauer said. "Their commitment to the College, the Athletics Department, and the students in our football program is remarkable and greatly appreciated. I'd also like to give a special thanks to two of our alumni coaches, Bill Snyder, '62 (Kansas State University: 1985-2005; 2009-2018) and Jim Gladden, '62 (Florida State University: 1975-2001) who were willing to share their expertise and give of their time guiding us through this process." said Eisenhauer. "We were fortunate to have a strong candidate pool for this position and implemented a very thorough process to not only select a great football coach, but an individual who appreciates this campus community and the type of education we offer."
Additionally, the College would like to thank the football alumni who participated in on-campus interviews:
- Jason Agee, '06
- Jake Doleshal, '97
- Marty Hensley, '82
- Ted Kapke, '99
- Kevin Keeton, '00
- Eric Levings, '98
- Fred Merrell, '55
- John Strada, '74
- John Wilkinson, '72
- Blake Wollard, 08
The William Jewell College football program is one of the oldest and most decorated programs in the state of Missouri but is looking to get back on track after a 1-10 campaign in 2019. The Cardinals will return three All-Great Lakes Valley Conference players next season in wide receiver Jalik Jaggwe, offensive lineman Zach White and quarterback Will Schneider. The 2020 schedule will be announced in March.
What they are saying about McGlinchey
"I am proud to have Mike lead our football program. He is a very personable individual and brings a strong intrinsic value system to the program, the College and the players. He is very detailed, knowledgeable and creative in all aspects of the game and program. He also importantly possesses a mutual philosophy with William Jewell's Athletic Director Eisenhauer and President McLeod Walls. He will enhance the values of our College. I also wish to extend my appreciation to Coach Chuck Lliteras for his contributions to the program and the College."
- Bill Snyder, '62
Alumnus; Retired Kansas State head coach
College Football Hall of Fame
"Mike McGlinchey brings to William Jewell College a wealth of coaching experience in the football world. He has worn many different hats throughout his career, while raising the football standards at strong academic institutions. Welcome Coach Mike McGlinchey!"
- Jim Gladden, '62
Alumnus; Retired Florida State Assistant Coach
Two-time NCAA-I National Champion