Ozark native and NFL veteran Steve McLendon is heading back to where it all started. Carroll High School has tapped the alumnus as its new head football coach, the district announced Friday, wrapping up a brief search triggered by the February resignation of former coach Jacob Kelley. McLendon is set to start meeting with players and staff as the Eagles shift into offseason preparations.
From Ozark To The NFL And Back
McLendon turned a standout career at Troy University into more than a decade in the NFL, suiting up for the Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Jets and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. According to Troy University Athletics, he was part of the Buccaneers’ Super Bowl winning roster and has long been praised for his leadership presence. His professional profile on NFL.com also highlights his reputation as a veteran in the locker room and a contributor on special teams.
A Homecoming With A Leadership Focus
“Ozark is where I was born and raised,” McLendon said, calling the return “surreal” and adding that he wants to “instill a different mindset and mentality” in the program, per WTVY. Athletic Director Chris Logan told the station the district feels fortunate to land someone of McLendon’s caliber and that stability and mentorship were key factors in the hire. McLendon most recently coached defensive linemen at Buford High School in Georgia, where he continued to lean heavily into leadership development with his players.
What Comes Next For The Eagles
School officials say McLendon’s arrival is meant to be a long-term investment in reshaping the program’s culture, with an emphasis on fundamentals, accountability and off-field development. He will spend the spring getting to know his roster and staff while crafting a program identity ahead of summer conditioning and the 2026 season. For Carroll fans, the move signals a high-profile hometown bet on bringing Eagles football back to form in the years ahead.
