Willie McCloud joins the Southeastern football staff as Running Backs Coach, bringing a strong reputation for developing productive rushers, explosive returners, and high-character student-athletes. Known for his faith-centered and mentorship-driven approach, he is committed to developing student-athletes as players, leaders, and men beyond the game.

McCloud arrives at SEU from Reinhardt University, where he served as Running Backs/Wide Receivers Coach and Recruiting Coordinator. His position groups consistently ranked among the most productive in the conference, and he helped develop several of the league’s top playmakers. Among those he coached was AAC Offensive Player of the Year Devyn Collins, who rushed for over 1,000 yards and 17 touchdowns in a season. He also mentored Ty McKey, an AAC Freshman Offensive Player of the Year and later Special Teams Player of the Year who tied NAIA records for kickoff return touchdowns in a game and a season and earned All-American honors as a return specialist.

His units featured multiple all-conference and all-purpose selections, and he played an active role in recruiting, particularly in Georgia and South Carolina.

Earlier in his coaching career, McCloud helped guide Kentucky Christian running back Jordan Brown to Appalachian Offensive Freshman of the Year honors after a 932-yard, nine-touchdown season that ranked among the nation’s top freshman performances.

As a player, McCloud was a two-time all-conference running back at the University of Pikeville, finishing among conference leaders in rushing yards and touchdowns. He later competed at Reinhardt, where he led the team in rushing and averaged 6.7 yards per carry.

McCloud earned a bachelor’s degree in Communication with a minor in Film and Media Arts from the University of Pikeville and is pursuing a master’s degree in Sports Administration and Leadership.