Kleckler Named 2020 FootballScoop NAIA Coordinator of the Year

Football | Fri, Jun. 25, 2021 at 4:45 PM

Story by: Lindsey Wilson College Athletics

Story by: Lindsey Wilson College Athletics

FootballScoop Release

COLUMBIA, Ky. – Phil Kleckler, Lindsey Wilson football defensive coordinator, was named the FootballScoop NAIA Coordinator of the Year presented by AstroTurf, FootballScoop officials announced on Friday.

“I am extremely honored to win the FootballScoop Coordinator of the Year award,” Kleckler said. “When an individual wins an award, it’s always due to the efforts of everyone involved and that is certainly the case here. This is a team award and I want to thank Chris Oliver (Head Coach), our defensive assistants and most importantly our players for trust in our staff and executing our game plans each week.”

Kleckler helped Lindsey Wilson to the 2020 NAIA National Championship during early May in Grambling, Louisiana. The Blue Raiders defeated Northwestern (Iowa) 45-13 to cap a perfect 11-0 season and claim the program’s first national title.

The Lindsey Wilson defense set a program record for the fewest points allowed in a season, surrendering just 158 points. The 14.4 points allowed per game this season ranked sixth-best in the NAIA this season. Lindsey Wilson’s 33-1/2 sacks this season matched a program record while ranking fifth in the NAIA this season.

FootballScoop boasts its coach of the year awards are the only in college football where the winners are chosen exclusively by their peers, which were all prior winners of the award.

“I’m thrilled that Coach Kleckler has been recognized by his peers with this award,” Oliver said. “Over the past handful of years this has become one of the top honors within the college football community, and Phil is extremely deserving of this recognition.  Not only does he do a great job with our defense on the field, but he truly invests in the personal development of our young men off the field. He has been a huge part of our success during the 2020 National Championship season and beyond.”

Kleckler was one of seven finalists across the NAIA and one of three defensive coordinators. The finalists include Josh Davis, Northwestern (Iowa) – offensive coordinator, Mike Famigletti, Kansas Wesleyan – offensive coordinator, Eric Kelly, Bethel (Kan.) – offensive coordinator, Aaron Mingo, Dordt (Iowa) – offensive coordinator, Tyrone Pettaway, Southeastern (Fla.) – defensive coordinator and Mike Ridings, Keiser (Fla.) – defensive coordinator.