Joe Bob Clements Named Defensive Line Coach

Feb. 8, 2008

<?xml:namespace prefix=”st1″ ns=”urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags”?>LAWRENCE, Kan. – Joe Bob Clements has been named the Kansas defensive line coach it was announced by Jayhawk head football coach Mark Mangino on Friday.<?xml:namespace prefix=”o” ns=”urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office”?>

Clements, who is from Emporia, Kan., and played and coached at Kansas State, comes to Kansas after spending the past two seasons as the defensive line coach at San Diego State. He was also the team’s recruiting coordinator in 2007.

Last season, former KU defensive coordinator Bill Young coached the Jayhawk defensive linemen.

Clements played at KansasState from 1994-98 before spending the next seven years as an assistant coach in Manhattan. During Clements’ playing career at KansasState, Mangino was an assistant coach for the Wildcats.

“Joe Bob is defined by his hard work and tenacity,” Mangino said. “We will be a very sound, technical defensive line with a great deal of toughness.”

Clements started his coaching career as a student assistant at KansasState working with the defensive backs from 1999-2000. He was a graduate assistant, who worked with the Wildcat secondary from 2001-02 before moving to defensive ends from 2003-05. He also took on the role of recruiting coordinator from 2004-05 before moving to San DiegoState.

During his 12 years at KansasState, Clements was part of 10 bowl games. In 2003, KansasState led the nation in sacks and was ranked sixth in the nation in total defense.

At San DiegoState, Clements helped the Aztec defense to the second-best red zone defense in the Mountain West Conference in 2006.

Clements was a defensive end as a player at KansasState and earned Big 12 Honorable Mention honors as a senior in 1998. He played in 41 games, recording 107 tackles and 7.5 sacks in his career. He graduated with a degree in public relations in 1999.

Clements and his wife Pelusa have three children, Orianna, Chance and Emma.