Regalado Named First Clarke University Head Football Coach

Clarke University announced Monday that Miguel Regalado has been named the university’s first head football coach. Regalado was introduced to members of the campus community and media at an afternoon press conference.

Regalado comes to Clarke from Baker University, of Baldwin City, Kan., where he has been a member of the Wildcats’ football coaching staff since 2008 and has served as the program’s offensive coordinator since 2011.

Regalado was introduced by Clarke Athletic Director Curt Long.

”In talking with ADs, I heard over and over that the most important element to starting and building a football program is hiring the right person to lead the program,” said Long. “Miguel rose to the top of our search with his background of consistent program improvement and success on the field and in the classroom. He is committed to the development of the total student athlete.”

Clarke’s Board of Trustees voted in January 2015 to add football to the institution’s intercollegiate lineup. Clarke will offer a scrimmage schedule in the fall of 2018 and will start varsity competition in fall 2019.

”From the outset I have believed the success of Clarke’s football program would rest on the coach and the type of leadership he would provide for the team,” said Clarke President Joanne Burrows, SC, Ph.D.   “I am very pleased to say that we have found that coach in Miguel Regalado. He brings excellent football credentials, but far more important for me, are the values and integrity he brings to this very important inaugural endeavor at Clarke.”

Burrows added:  “Miguel fits well with Clarke’s approach to the scholar-athlete and the critical path of preparing young men for productive careers and lives well-lived. I have every confidence he will bring Clarke’s mission and core values to bear in the implementation of the football program and the development of our future football scholar-athletes.”

During Regalado’s stint at Baker, the Wildcats fashioned an 81-25 overall record, posted three 10 or more win seasons, made five NAIA national playoff appearances and captured three Heart of America Athletic Conference championships.  Baker finished as the NAIA national runner-up last fall, winning a program record 14 games and logging the first undefeated regular season in school history.

“I am extremely blessed and honored to be named the first head football coach in Clarke University history,” said Regalado.  “I am looking forward to building a culture at Clarke University where our student athletes will be role models in the Dubuque community, hard working in the classroom and relentless competitors on the football field.”

“Starting this football program from scratch will be an exciting and challenging process,” added Regalado.  “With the support and vision of President Joanne Burrows, Athletic Director Curt Long, and partnership with the Dubuque community, I am thrilled to get to work on the historic class of 2018.”

Regalado was a 2016 nominee for NAIA Coordinator of the Year. During his career, he served as a position coach for three All-Americans and was the offensive coordinator for the 2016 NAIA National Player of the Year—quarterback Logan Brettell.

Regalado joined Baker’s coaching staff in 2008 and oversaw the Wildcats’ offensive line.  He was promoted to offensive coordinator in 2011.  This past season, Baker featured the second-ranked passing offense in the NAIA (362.1 yards per game) and the fourth-ranked total offense (536.6 yards per game).  Regalado has served as the Wildcats’ strength coordinator since 2008.

Prior to his stint at Baker, Regalado was the assistant head football coach at Urbana University, Urbana, Ohio, from 2004 to 2007.  He was the Blue Knights’ offensive coordinator from 2004 to 2006 and the defensive coordinator in 2007.  Regalado coached the offensive line in 2003 and served as recruiting coordinator.

Regalado was a graduate assistant for two years at the University of South Dakota.

Regalado played two seasons of football at Glendale (Ariz.) Community College under current Baker Head Football Coach Mike Grossner before completing his collegiate career under Head Coach John Austin at the University of South Dakota.

Regalado received his bachelor of science degree in criminal justice and his master’s degree in athletic administration from the University of South Dakota.

Miguel and his wife, Heather, have two children, Jalen and Ava.

Regalado will officially begin his duties on June 1.