Mike McClanathan

Biography

Mike McClanathan was hired as an assistant coach on Chris Wilkerson's staff at Eastern Illinois in January 2026, where he will coach the offensive line. Prior to joining the Panthers, McClanathan spent two seasons (2024-2025) as an assistant coach at Saginaw Valley State, serving as offensive line coach and co-offensive coordinator with the offense ranking 37th in NCAA Division II. During his tenure, he coached one honorable mention All-American and six All-Conference offensive line selections. McClanathan previously worked at Eastern Michigan for three seasons (2021-2023), helping the team to three straight bowl appearances including the 2022 Idaho Potato Bowl title, and coached Sidy Sow who was drafted by the New England Patriots in the 4th round. He spent seven seasons at Drake University (2015-2021) as an assistant and offensive line coach, earning the title of Run Game Coordinator and coaching 15 All-Conference selections, including Eric Saubert who was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in 2017. A Drake University alum and member of two Pioneer Football League championship teams, McClanathan holds a bachelor's degree from Drake and is a native of Frontenac, Missouri.