McMurry University Men's Football

Coach Neal enters the 2026 season with 7 years of leadership as Head Football Coach of the McMurry University War Hawks. A native of Abilene and former high school and collegiate standout quarterback, Coach Neal has revitalized the War Hawk football program with strategic leadership and a commitment to developing champions on and off the field. In 2025, McMurry captured back-to-back Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC) Championships, culminating in a high-drama 27–19 comeback victory over Texas Lutheran in the inaugural SCAC Championship Game. The War Hawks’ championship game performance highlighted a season of growth, teamwork, and top-tier competition. McMurry finished with a 6-4 overall record (4-1 SCAC), and led the conference in total defense while also ranking first in passing offense—a testament to the balanced excellence Coach Neal and his staff has built into the program. The back-to-back league championships in 2024 and 2025 are a first in McMurry’s 103 year football history. Under Coach Neal’s direction in 2025, the War Hawks claimed four of the SCAC’s five major individual awards, and he was honored as SCAC Coach of the Year—the first head coach in McMurry football history to earn the accolade. Coach Neal’s tenure has seen a dramatic turnaround for McMurry football. After guiding the War Hawks to their first winning season in over a decade in 2023 and then a share of the 2024 SCAC Championship—featuring standout performers and multiple all-conference honorees—Neal has continued to elevate the program’s competitive profile. In 2024, McMurry was picked pre-season to win the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference in the preseason poll and went on to do so with a 7-1 conference record. The War Hawks have dominated the SCAC over the past 2 seasons with a 11-2 overall conference record and 2 championships. In seven seasons under Neal's direction, McMurry has had an incredible 105 all-conference selections across the ASC and the SCAC, as well as numerous individual awards and recognitions for his players: 12 D3football.com All-Region honorees: - Josh Smith – LB – Shreveport Airline HS – 2nd Team (2021) - Jared Mendoza – K/P – Fort Worth Western Hills HS – 2nd Team (2022) - Kristopher Martin – WR – El Paso El Dorado HS – 2nd Team (2023) - Chris Baker – DB – Mansfield Summit HS – 3rd Team (2023) - Tim Leatherman – DB – Ingram Tom Moore HS – 1st Team (2024) - Kristopher Martin – WR – El Paso El Dorado HS – 1st Team (2024) - Kane Strohman – DE – Katy Seven Lakes HS – 2nd Team (2024) - Dorian Leblanc – DT – Beaumont United HS – 1st Team (2025) - Jackson Harris – DE – Kilgore HS – 2nd Team (2025) - Dylon Davis – DB – Abilene Cooper HS – 2nd Team (2025) - Bryce Neves - LB – Abilene HS – 3rd Team (2025) - Jax Rodriguez – K/P – Lago Vista HS – 3rd Team (2025)   33 ASC & SCAC Player of the Week Honorees: - Colton Strickland – DL – Hawley HS (Spring 2021) - Dexter Wyble – QB – Humble HS (2021) - Darrin Boston – DB – Lamar Consolidated HS (2021) - Dee Robinson – RB – Rice HS (2021) - Devin Nixon – DL – Vidor HS (2022) - Jared Mendoza – K/P – Fort Worth Western Hills HS (2022) - Jess Hoel – QB – Abernathy HS (2023) x 2 - Tim Leatherman – DB – Ingram Tom Moore HS (2023) x 2 - Kane Strohman – DL – Katy Seven Lakes HS (2023) x 2 - Zach Mitchell – LB – Fort Worth O.D. Wyatt HS (2023) - Jared Mendoza – K/P – Fort Worth Western Hills HS (2023) x 2 - Jess Hoel – QB – Abernathy HS (2024) x 4 - Kristopher Martin – WR – El Paso El Dorado HS (2024) - Kane Strohman – DL – Katy Seven Lakes HS (2024) - Zach Mitchell – LB – Fort Worth O.D. Wyatt HS (2024) - Jax Rodriguez – P – Lago Vista HS (2024) - Bruce Brown – P – Santa Anna HS (2024) - Dylan Plake – QB – Harker Heights HS (2025) x 2 - Thomas Chandler – WR – Waco HS (2025) - Jackson Harris – DL – Kilgore HS (2025) - Zach Mitchell – LB – Fort Worth O.D. Wyatt HS (2025) - Bryce Neves – LB – Abilene HS (2025) x 2 - Jax Rodriguez – K/P – Lago Vista HS (2025) x 2   8 D3football.com National Team of the Week players: - Devin Nixon (Spring 2021) - Jared Mendoza – K – Fort Worth Western Hills HS (Fall 2021) - Brendon Torrence – LB – Point Loma HS (Fall 2021) - Jared Mendoza – K – Fort Worth Western Hills HS (2022) - Kristopher Martin – WR – El Paso El Dorado HS (2024) - Kane Strohman – DE – Katy Seven Lakes HS (2024) - Jax Rodriguez – K – Lago Vista HS (2024) - Jackson Harris – DE – Kilgore HS (2025)   4 All-American Honors: - Tim Leatherman – DB – Ingram Tom Moore HS – AFCA 1st Team, Associated Press 1st Team, D3football.com 1st Team (Fall 2024) - Dorian Leblanc – DT – Beaumont United HS – D3football.com 2nd Team (Fall 2025)   Individual School Records: - Josh Smith – LB – Shreveport Airline HS (2018-2021) – Became the first player in ASC history to land all-conference honors for five straight seasons, three of which came under Neal. Smith also went on to claim the school’s all-time career record for tackles with 385 under Neal’s leadership. - Kristopher Martin – WR – El Paso El Dorado HS (2021-2024) – Became McMurry’s all-time leading receiver with 203 career receptions, 3,069 career receiving yards, and 18 career 100-yard receiving games. - Jared Mendoza – K – Fort Worth Western Hills (2019-2023) – Broke the school record for made field goals in a game with 4, broke the school record for made field goals with 21 in his career, and also broke the mark for longest made field goal in school history at 57 yards. - Herman Lee – LB – Prosper HS (2021-2024) – Broke the single season record with 9.5 sacks in 2023. - Kane Strohman – DE – Katy Seven Lakes HS (2021-2024) – Tied the school record for tackles for loss in a single season with 19. - Jax Rodrgiuez – K/P – Lago Vista HS (2024-Current) – Broke the school record for made field goals in a season with 12 in 2025.   Prior to McMurry, Neal spent six years as the Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator at Hendrix College, as the school reintroduced football after a 53-year hiatus. According to HC head coach Buck Buchanan, Neal called every offensive play from the program's start back in 2013. Buchanan said, "I just let him do his thing.” And that “thing” virtually instantly generated one of the most productive offenses in NCAA Division III. Neal-led units have earned four NCAA III annual statistical champion honors: 2016- Passing Offense (with a Division III record 600 yards per game); 2016- Passing Efficiency; 2014 & 2016- Pass Completion Percentage. Prior to joining the Hendrix staff, Neal was the Offensive Line Coach/Player Development Coordinator at Texas Lutheran University in 2012, setting multiple school records and an ASC-leading offense. From 2008-11, Neal was the Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Coach at Howard Payne University, generating the top offense in the ASC in 2009. Neal has been the winning head coach in the Dream Bowl, a premier All-Star Game in Virginia Beach, Va., 6 out of the first seven years of its existence. In 2020, McMurry had two seniors represent the program in the game, Eriel Dorsey and Kevin Hurley Jr. In 2025, McMurry had three seniors represented in Kane Strohman, Tim Leatherman, and Kristopher Martin. Neal played his college football locally as a quarterback at Hardin-Simmons University under head coach Jimmie Keeling. As for his own career in leading the HSU offense, he was a four-time ASC Academic All-Conference honoree. Neal was a three-time All-ASC player, earning second-team in 2003, as well as first team in 2004 and 2006, when he was also voted the circuit’s Offensive Player of the Year. At the completion of his playing career, he held 16 single-season or career records at HSU, including the career passing yards record with 8,347. Neal was a finalist for the 2006 Gagliardi Trophy, emblematic of the top player – athletically and academically – in NCAA Division III football. After graduation, Neal played professionally in Malmo, Sweden with the Limhamn Griffins. While there, the Griffins won the Swedish American Football Federation title and Neal was named the league's Import Player of the Year. As a prep at Cooper High School, graduating in 2001, Neal played football under legendary coach Randy Allen. He was a two-year varsity letterman, earning first team All-State 5A in 2000. He was also the District 4-5A Offensive Player of the Year in 2000 and the Big Country FCA Football All-Star Game Offensive Player of the Game. Off the field, Coach Neal emphasizes academic success, leadership development, and community engagement. He and his wife, Amanda, who is a professor in the education department at McMurry, are deeply involved in the Abilene community and share a passion for supporting McMurry student-athletes in every area of their collegiate experience. They have been married since 2007 and have a nine year old daughter, Adriana.

Leo Brownfield IV joined the McMurry football staff in the summer of 2024 as running backs coach.   He played football at McMurry after three seasons at East Texas Baptist. He earned a degree in business administration from ETBU in 2019. He also was a two-time track and field conference champion at East Texas Baptist.   Brownfield played professional arena football with the Orlando Predators and the North Texas Bulls.   A native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Brownfield is married to McMurry alum Traya N. Brownfield and has a daughter, Lia.   He also owns Leo’s Warzone, a paintball field in Abilene, and enjoys spending time with his wife, friends and family. He also works out and coaches younger kids with their athletics.  

KJ is the Defensive Backs Coach at McMurry University, bringing a decorated playing career and proven player-development track record to the program. A standout at East Texas Baptist University, KJ earned multiple All Conference, All Region, and All American honors and finished his playing career holding several school records. He completed his playing career and earned a second master’s degree at Howard Payne University, where he again earned All American recognition. Since joining McMurry in 2024, KJ has coached multiple first team All Conference defensive backs, several honorable mention selections, and guided players to All Region and All American honors. A native Abilenian, Kelley enjoys traveling, reading, watching movies and visiting MLB stadiums. He attends Hillcrest Church.  

Prior to joining the McMurry Football staff for the 2025 season, Correy Washington built an exceptional coaching résumé highlighted by a standout year at Brazos Christian School, where he guided the program to a 12–1 record in 2024. Under his leadership, the team captured District, Area, and Regional Championships and finished as the State Runner-Up. Washington’s offense averaged an impressive 36.7 points per game, while his defense surrendered just 157 points across the entire season.  Before his success at Brazos Christian, Washington led the development of the Brentwood Christian football program, posting a 9–3 record and winning an Area Championship in only the program’s second year of competition. Over six seasons, he amassed a 40–23 record and engineered one of TAPPS’ top defensive units, which allowed just 13 points per game during regular-season play.  In his first season as defensive coordinator at McMurry, Washington produced the top defense in the SCAC, allowing only 19 points per game and leading the conference in total defense, sacks, tackles for loss, and third and fourth down efficiency. Under his direction, the War Hawks earned 10 all-conference selections—including six first-team honorees and the Defensive Player of the Year—and four D3 All-Region selections.  The War Hawk defense also ranked in the national top 25 across multiple Division III categories, including:  • #1 in fumbles recovered  • #3 in team sacks  • #8 in tackles for loss  • #13 in defensive touchdowns  • #13 in third-down conversion percentage  Washington is a graduate of Abilene Christian University, where he walked on as a wide receiver and developed the work ethic and leadership traits that now shape his coaching style.  His notable accolades include:  • 2023 Dave Campbell’s Texas Football 40 Under 40  • 2024 TAPPS Division IV Padilla Poll Coach of the Year  • 2024 TXPS TAPPS Division IV Coach of the Year  • 2022, 2023 TAPPS Division IV District II Coach of the Year  • 2021 TAPPS Division II State Champion – Men’s Track  Washington has been married to his wife, Desiree, for five years. 

Former War Hawks standout scholar-athlete Matthew Newby rejoined the McMurry University coaching staff in March 2023. After graduating from McMurry in 2016, Coach Newby began his coaching career at Beaumont West Brook High School, where he coached future NFL offensive tackle Dan Moore Jr. and helped guide the Bruins to an impressive 11–2 season. In 2017, Newby moved to Louisiana to become the Offensive Coordinator and Head Men’s Track & Field Coach at Oakdale High School. During his tenure, he led the Warriors to their highest-scoring football season in a decade and secured two district championships in track and field. Following two successful seasons at Oakdale, Newby advanced to the role of Offensive Coordinator at Bolton High School in Alexandria, Louisiana. Though he spent just one season with the Bears, he was quickly elevated to Interim Head Coach and led the program to a school-record 3,573 rushing yards—including a single-game rushing record of 684 yards. When COVID-19 hit, Newby moved his family back to Texas, where he connected with McMurry Defensive Coordinator Correy Washington at Brentwood Christian School in Austin. He joined Brentwood Christian in 2020, serving as the Director of Athletic Operations, Assistant Head Coach, Defensive Coordinator, and Offensive Line Coach, while also contributing as Assistant Head Coach for Track & Field. During his time at Brentwood, Newby helped lead the Bears to a TAPPS Division II playoff berth and mentored five athletes who went on to compete at the collegiate level. He also played a key role in guiding the Men’s Track & Field team to the 2021 TAPPS Division II State Championship. Before arriving back at McMurry, Newby spent a brief but impactful stint at St. Michael’s Catholic Academy in South Austin. He initially served as the Director of Facilities and Grounds, Special Teams Coordinator, Offensive Run Game Coordinator, and Offensive Line Coach, and was soon elevated to Interim Head Coach. Under his leadership, four student-athletes earned Division I opportunities, with offers from Texas Tech, Kansas, Texas State, and Colorado State Pueblo. Since returning to McMurry, Newby has led the offensive line unit to exceptional success. He has coached 13 players to All-Conference honors, including a high of five offensive linemen earning SCAC All-Conference recognition in 2025. His offensive line finished the 2023 season as the #1 pass-protection unit in the ASC and repeated as the top-ranked pass-protection unit in the SCAC in 2024. His journey from McMurry standout to McMurry coach underscores his deep connection to the program and his commitment to developing the next generation of War Hawks. Newby began his college playing career at Stephen F. Austin State University from 2010–2012, contributing to the Lumberjacks’ 2010 back-to-back Southland Conference Championship run. After the 2011 season, he transferred to McMurry University—then an NCAA Division II program—where he became a cornerstone of the War Hawks’ offensive front. From 2012–2014, Newby started 23 consecutive games and earned 2014 Preseason All-American honors. Following a career-ending injury, he transitioned seamlessly into coaching, serving as Assistant Offensive Line Coach under then–Coach Adam Kirby.

Mark Rau joined the McMurry football staff in 2022 as receivers coach and was promoted to pass game coordinator in 2024.   He previously served as a special teams and defensive secondary coach at Oceanside High School.   A well-decorated veteran of the US Marine Corps, Rau retired with the USMC Combat Action Ribbon, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and Service Medal, a pair of Marine Corps Good Conduct Medals, a Presidential Unit Citation from the Navy, three Iraq Campaign Medals, two Certificates of Commendation, three Sea Service Deployment honors, the National Defense Service Medal, a Navy and Marine Corp Achievement with Combat V, a Navy Unit Commendation and Meritorious Mast.   Rau graduated from McMurry with a bachelors degree in sports industry and received the Don Allen Memorial Award for Student Excellence.   He received a scholarship to Navarro Junior College and later played for the School of Infantry Marshals USMC West from 2008-10.   Rau is a native Abilenian.

Mark Rau, a native Abilenian, joined the McMurry football staff in 2022 as receivers coach and was promoted to pass game coordinator in 2024. Under his guidance, the Warhawks' passing offense achieved significant milestones, including leading the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC) in passing efficiency, passing offense (277 yards per game), and total offense in 2024. In 2025, McMurry ranked #1 in the SCAC for scoring offense and passing offense (321.4 yards per game), finishing #7 nationally in passing offense after reaching #1 mid-season—accomplishing the team's goal to be "the best in the country to throw and catch," an expectation they relentlessly pursue each season. Rau coached standout receiver Kris Martin, who led the American Southwest Conference (ASC) in 2023 with 65 receptions and 1,019 yards, and the SCAC in 2024 with 64 receptions and 1,042 yards. Martin concluded his career as McMurry's all-time leading receiver, with 203 receptions, 3,069 yards, and 18 career 100-yard games. In 2025, first-team All-Conference receiver Thomas Chandler recorded 60 receptions and 979 yards. He previously served as a special teams and defensive secondary coach at Oceanside High School. A well-decorated veteran of the US Marine Corps, Rau retired with the USMC Combat Action Ribbon, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and Service Medal, a pair of Marine Corps Good Conduct Medals, a Presidential Unit Citation from the Navy, three Iraq Campaign Medals, two Certificates of Commendation, three Sea Service Deployment honors, the National Defense Service Medal, a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement with Combat V, a Navy Unit Commendation, and Meritorious Mast. Rau graduated from McMurry with a bachelor’s degree in sports industry and received the Don Allen Memorial Award for Student Excellence. He earned a Master of Science in Sport Management from Texas Tech University in 2025. He received a scholarship to Navarro Junior College and later played for the School of Infantry Marshals – USMC West from 2008-10.