Southern Utah football names former Dixie State head coach as new linebackers coach

Southern Utah University football has announced the hiring of former Dixie State head coach Shay McClure as the team’s linebackers coach.

McClure coached the Trailblazers from 2016-to 2018, compiling an 18-15 overall record and an 18-12 mark in conference play.

He also guided the team to the program’s first two winning seasons as a four-year university, and DSU broke 26 school records while under McClure.

McClure originally joined the DSU staff as a defensive coordinator in 2015.

"Shay McClure was a no-brainer decision for us at our linebacker position," said SUU head coach DeLane Fitzgerald in a release. "He is a proven winner everywhere he has gone and one of the best recruiters in Southern Utah and Southern California. Myself and the rest of our staff are excited to have Coach McClure joining our football staff and program."

Following his time at DSU, McClure was the defensive coordinator at Southwest Minnesota State.

"I'm incredibly excited about this opportunity here at Southern Utah,” said McClure in a statement. “Having spent five years in the Southern Utah region, I feel like I've had a good opportunity to see Thunderbird football from an outside perspective, and I'm very grateful to now have the chance to be on the staff here and help build this program."

McClure also coached at Southern Oregon, the University of San Diego, Occidental College, and Humboldt State.

Now WAC foes, SUU and Utah Tech square off in Cedar City on Sept.  24 with the time to still be determined.

Sean Ellertson is a sports reporter for the St. George Spectrum & Daily News. To continue to support his work, please subscribe to The Spectrum. Follow Sean on Twitter @SeanEllertson.

This article originally appeared on St. George Spectrum & Daily News: Southern Utah names former DSU head coach as new linebackers coach