Furman football coach Clay Hendrix to step down at the end of the season

Release from Furman

Furman head football coach Clay Hendrix ‘86 announced today that the conclusion of the 2026 season will mark the end of his Paladin coaching career.

Hendrix made the announcement Monday afternoon after informing Furman Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics Jason Donnelly of his decision and following a meeting with his squad.

“This is a decision that LeeAnn and I have given a tremendous amount of time and thought, and one of my most intense concerns – frankly, the one at the top of my list all along – has been to do what is best for Furman Football, which has been and will forever be part of my core,” said Hendrix.  “I am excited about finishing this season with this group of players, but I believe now is the best time to do this to help Furman transition to the next chapter of Paladin Football.”

“Few individuals have shaped Furman Football as profoundly as Clay Hendrix,” said Donnelly.  “As a student-athlete, assistant coach and head coach, Clay has helped carry forward a proud tradition while building his own legacy through his tremendous character, leadership, and commitment to developing young men. His impact extends well beyond the field — in the lives of those he has mentored, the relationships he has built, and the pride he has inspired across the Furman community. We are deeply grateful to Clay and his wife, LeeAnn, for their extraordinary dedication to Furman. He will always be a Paladin, and his influence will endure through the generations of student-athletes and coaches who carry his example forward.”

Hendrix, who is in his 10th season as head coach and 29th year of service to his alma mater, has compiled a 62-49 overall record in his head coaching tenure, including a 46-28 Southern Conference mark. 

He directed the Paladins to SoCon championships in 2018 and 2023 and NCAA FCS playoff appearances in 2017, ‘19, ‘22, and ‘23.  Furman posted 10-3 records in both 2022 and ‘23 and advanced to playoff quarterfinals in ‘23.

He was honored as SoCon Coach of the Year in 2017 and captured it again in 2023 while also garnering AFCA Region II Coach of the Year accolades.

Hendrix served as Furman’s offensive line coach for 19 years (1988-06), including five seasons as assistant head coach (2002-06).  During that span he helped the Paladins post a 155-77-1 record, including a 100-45 SoCon mark, win six league championships, and make 11 FCS (formerly I-AA) playoff appearances.  In his first season as an assistant Furman won the 1988 NCAA I-AA national championship, defeating Georgia Southern, 17-12, to become the first SoCon program and first private school in the division to win the national title.  He was also on staff in the Paladins 2001, 12-3 national runner-up campaign.

The Commerce, Ga., native was a four-year letterman (1982-85) and three-year starter at offensive guard under Furman head coach Dick Sheridan and played a key role in the Paladins posting a 39-10-1 record, winning SoCon championships in 1982, ‘83, and ‘85, and finishing as NCAA I-AA national runner-up his senior year.  Furman also recorded wins over South Carolina (1982), Georgia Tech (1983), and N.C. State (1984 & ‘85) during his playing tenure.

As a player, assistant coach, and head coach, Hendrix had a hand in 11 of Furman’s SoCon-best 15 league championships.

Furman plays host to Western Carolina this Saturday at Paladin Stadium in the first of four remaining games that also include a road contest at The Citadel (Nov. 7), home clash versus Chattanooga (Nov. 14), and season finale at VMI (Nov. 21).