Mike Clowney enters his fifth year overall and second as the Eagles defensive coordinator.

Last season, the Carson-Newman defense ranked second in the conference in both scoring defense (27.3 ppg.) and rushing defense (151.5 ypg.) and was fourth in total defense (377.8 ypg.). During Clowney's first season as defensive coordinator, four Eagles earned All-SAC honors, including first team honorees in defensive end Zeke Andrews and defensive back Mario Russell.

In 2009, Clowney was in charge of the C-N linebackers, and Elliette Jackson received second team All-South Atlantic Conference honors under his tutelage after finishing second on the team in tackles with 94.

Prior to rejoining the C-N staff in 2009, Clowny spent three seasons as head coach and athletic director at Emerald High School in Greenwood, S.C.

Clowney is no stranger to the Eagles' program as he is recognized as one of the greatest defensive players in the history of C-N. He still holds the school record for tackles in a game as he had 23 in a 1996 game against Wingate.

The Union, S.C., native was selected first team All-American in 1996 by several organizations, including the Associated Press. He was named the South Atlantic Conference Defensive Player of the Year and the C-N Male Athlete of the Year in 1996. He helped lead the Eagles to their first appearance in the NCAA Division II National Championship game.

Prior to his first coaching stint at C-N, Clowney came to Mossy Creek from Greenwood High school in Greenwood, S.C., where he was the defensive coordinator and inside linebacker coach from 1999-2003. He helped lead Greenwood to back-to-back state championships in 1999-2000. Clowney served as a graduate assistant at C-N from 1996-99. He received his master's degree in 1999.

Clowney and his wife, Carrie, reside in Jefferson City.