SANTA ANA, Calif. - Santa Ana College has announced the hiring of Kevin Clune as its new Head Football Coach to lead the program into a new era. Clune arrives at SAC with an impressive resume that includes conference championships, bowl game appearances, NFL player development, and leadership roles at some of the nation's most respected programs.

"I'm thrilled to welcome new SAC Head Football Coach Kevin Clune to our athletics family," said Associate Dean Mary Hegarty. "Kevin brings extensive NCAA Division I experience, particularly on the defensive side of the ball, where his leadership, preparation, and attention to detail have consistently elevated the programs throughout his career. His commitment to student-athlete development—both on and off the field—aligns perfectly with our mission."

"We're excited about the competitive mindset and fresh perspective he brings to our program and look forward to the impact he will have on our student-athletes and campus community." 

Most recently, Clune served on the coaching staff at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, joining the Mustangs in 2024 after spending the 2023 season as defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at Northern Arizona University. 

Over the course of his coaching journey, Clune has accumulated more than 30 years of experience, including 10 seasons as a defensive coordinator. His stops have included BYU, Memphis, Oregon State, Utah State, Hawaii, Weber State, Southern Utah, Northern Arizona, and Cal Poly.

At BYU, Clune coached linebackers from 2021-22 after serving as a defensive analyst during the Cougars' memorable 2020 campaign. That season, BYU finished 11-1, earned a No. 11 national ranking, and fielded one of the nation's top defenses, ranking fourth nationally in scoring defense and tenth in total defense. During his time in Provo, the Cougars went to three bowl games and established themselves among the nation's elite programs.

Before BYU, Clune worked under Mike Norvell at Memphis, where he helped guide the Tigers to unprecedented success. The 2019 team captured the American Athletic Conference Championship, earned the program's first-ever 12-win season, and secured a berth in the Cotton Bowl. Memphis finished the season ranked No. 19 nationally while posting one of the country's top pass defenses.

Clune also served as defensive coordinator at Oregon State from 2016-17 and spent six seasons at Utah State over two separate stints. During his tenure with the Aggies, he helped capture the 2012 Western Athletic Conference championship and coached future NFL stars Bobby Wagner, Nick Vigil, Zach Vigil, and Kyle Fackrell.

His success as a defensive coordinator began in Utah, where he worked at Southern Utah and later Weber State. At Weber State, Clune helped lead the Wildcats to the 2008 Big Sky Conference Championship, a No. 7 national ranking in the Football Championship Subdivision, and a run to the second round of the FCS Playoffs. He also coached future NFL linebacker J.D. Folsom, who was selected by the Miami Dolphins.

Despite his extensive Division I experience, Clune's coaching roots run deep in Southern California. Early in his career, he coached at Palma High School, Dos Pueblos High School, Fullerton College, and Occidental College. His connection to the local football community makes his arrival at Santa Ana College especially meaningful.

Clune earned his bachelor's degree in Kinesiology from California State University, Fullerton in 2000.

"I am deeply honored and truly grateful for the opportunity to serve as the head football coach at Santa Ana College," said Coach Clune. "This program has a rich and storied tradition of excellence, built by generations of outstanding student-athletes, coaches, administrators, and supporters who have established a culture of pride, commitment, and success." 

"To be entrusted with leading a program that means so much to this community is both a privilege and a tremendous responsibility. I have great respect for the legacy that has been created here, and I am committed to upholding the values, work ethic, and standards that have defined Santa Ana College football for decades.

"I want to thank President Dr. Annebelle Nery, Athletic Director Mary Hegarty, and Dean Andrea Picchi for their investment in the athletes and the facilities. I am humbled by this opportunity and excited for what is ahead."

As preparations begin for the upcoming season, anticipation is already growing around the program. With Kevin Clune at the helm, Santa Ana College has secured a proven leader whose career has been defined by success, development, and a commitment to excellence.