INDIANAPOLIS – East Texas A&M University football assistant coach Tony McClain has been selected to participate in the 2026 NCAA and NFL Coaches Academy in Indianapolis on February 18-20.
 
The NCAA and NFL Coaches Academy provides current, full-time college football coaches at NCAA member schools an educational opportunity to build connections and develop leadership acumen to pursue their career aspirations. Current full-time position coaches, coordinators, and assistant or associate head coaches at NCAA member institutions are eligible to apply.
 
McClain just finished his second season on the Lion coaching staff, serving as the running backs coach for both the 2024 and 2025 seasons, while adding the role of special teams coordinator for the 2025 season. He moves over to coach defensive line for the 2026 season.
 
Under McClain's guidance, the Lions improved by nearly 30 yards per game in rushing yardage in the 2025 season, while the special teams unit included the second-best punt return unit in the Southland Conference and third best kickoff return unit, including a kickoff return touchdown.
 
More information on the NCAA and NFL Coaches Academy can be found HERE.