Jesse McClung is in his second year as men's basketball head coach at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College in 2024-25.
SMWC compiled a 25-7 record in McClung's first year at the helm. The Woods set a new school record with 25 victories advanced to the NAIA Nationals for the first time in any men's team sport. Senior Cobie Barnes was named the River States Conference Player & Newcomer of the Year while McClung was named the RSC Coach of the Year. McClung led the Pomeroys to the No. 2 seed in the River States Conference Tournament and picked up a pair of victories at home to receive an automatic bid into the NAIA National Tournament.
McClung, an Indianapolis native and three-year starter at Lawrence North High School, is the third Pomeroys' head men's basketball coach, arriving at SMWC following a successful six-year stint as associate head coach at Marian University.
The Knights posted a 124-38 record over the six seasons and qualified for six straight NAIA National Tournaments with McClung on staff, reaching the Elite Eight in 2019 and the Final Four in 2020.
McClung's time at Marian was instrumental in preparing him for his first collegiate head coaching job.
"I'd just like to thank president Dan Elsener, athletic director Steve Downing, head coach Scott Heady as well as the previous coach I worked under, John Grimes. They taught me a lot. It was a situation where you think you'd be there forever, but this opportunity came and I'm excited to be here at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods," McClung said. "Coach (Mike) Hunter did an excellent job. I'm just looking forward to building off the success he had. We'll build it brick by brick, step-by-step."
McClung's coaching career began in 2008 as an assistant at Marian, focusing on recruiting. He moved on to NCAA Division III Wabash College from 2011 to 2014, helping the Little Giants reach as high as No. 14 in the national rankings.
For the next two years, McClung gained valuable experience as a head coach at the high school level, guiding Bethesda Christian to a 38-13 record over two seasons.
After playing for Jack Keefer at Lawrence North, McClung continued his playing career at Barton County Community College. He moved on to Ball State University, playing two seasons that including earning the team defensive award and the team spark award. McClung was a captain for his final collegiate season at the University of Indianapolis.
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING:
"Jesse is one of the best up and coming coaches in our profession. He can flat out recruit and I have no doubts he will be a great leader of young men!"
– Greg Tonagel, Head Coach, Indiana Wesleyan University
"Jesse McClung exemplifies leadership, driven by a passion and unwavering work ethic. With his exceptional recruiting skills and unwavering dedication to player development, Jesse stands out in our coaching field. He has a true understanding of the game, coupled with his effective teaching abilities, sets him apart. I am thrilled to witness the remarkable success that Jesse and his program are bound to achieve."
– Matt Crenshaw, Head Coach, IUPUI
"The time, energy and effort that Jesse has put into his coaching career have prepared him well for this opportunity. He has helped build one of the best NAIA programs in the state, and I know that he will help build Saint Mary-of-the-Woods into a contender as well. He will be a great addition to the community and a regular fixture in the Wabash Valley. I couldn't be more excited for him and his family."
- Rusty Loyd, Head Coach, DePauw University
