COMMERCE – A new era of East Texas A&M University men's golf is underway as Jason Eslinger has been named the head coach of the Lion men's golf program.
 
In his career, Eslinger has been part of an NCAA National Championship-winning coaching staff and spent 12 years competing professionally on the World Long Drive Tour, including multiple stints ranked No. 1 in the world.

"We are excited to welcome Jason to East Texas A&M as the next head coach for men's golf," said Director of Athletics Jim Curry. "He brings a championship pedigree, extensive background and knowledge of the sport, a strong work ethic, and a passion for winning. We look forward to what's ahead for East Texas men's golf under Jason's direction and leadership."

He arrives in Commerce after serving on the coaching staff at Dallas Baptist University. During his time at DBU, Eslinger was the acting head coach for the men's program, helping lead the Patriots to a national ranking as high as No. 13 in NCAA Division II and guiding the Patriots to the Houston Classic title, the program's first tournament championship in three years. DBU also finished seventh at the 2026 NCAA Division II West/South Central Regional.

On the women's side, Eslinger served as an assistant coach and helped the Patriots capture the 2026 NCAA Division II National Championship, the program's fourth national title in the last six seasons. "I'm humbled, honored and incredibly excited for the opportunity to lead East Texas A&M Men's Golf," said Eslinger.

"I want to thank President Rudin and Director of Athletics Jim Curry for believing in me and trusting me with this program. From my first conversations with Jim, I knew East Texas A&M was a place where we could build something special and compete at a high level."

"I'm excited to invest in our student-athletes, develop a championship culture, reconnect our alumni with the program they helped establish and bring them back into what we're building for the future. There is a tremendous opportunity in front of us, and I'm ready to get to work. Our goal is to establish a program that represents East Texas A&M and the entire Lion family at the highest level. Go Lions!"

Eslinger played a key role in developing the men's golf program's recruiting strategy, helping attract multiple impact transfers from the NCAA Division I ranks at DBU. He also designed individualized practice plans, player development systems, and golf-specific performance programs focused on technical improvement, competitive preparation, course management, and performing under pressure.

Before entering the collegiate coaching ranks, Eslinger spent 12 years competing professionally on the World Long Drive Tour. During his career, he qualified for the World Long Drive Championship every season, held the World No. 1 ranking on multiple occasions, and earned 10 individual tournament victories.

Eslinger began his collegiate coaching career as a graduate assistant at Dodge City Community College, where he previously competed for two seasons and earned NJCAA All-Conference honors.

He is certified by the Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) in power and mobility. Eslinger earned an Associate of Arts degree from Dodge City Community College and a bachelor's degree in business management from Oklahoma State. Eslinger also spent time around the Oklahoma State men's golf team while at Karsten Creek, where he got to know Coach Mike McGraw and Coach Alan Bratton.

Eslinger and his wife, Whitney, are the proud parents of two daughters, Karsten and Sutton.