Hall of Fame

Jack "Cy" McClarien

  • Class
  • Induction
    2008
  • Sport(s)
    2008 Inductees

Jack “Cy” McClairen earned 12 varsity letters in football, basketball, and track at Bethune-Cookman. He was the first Wildcat to be drafted into the professional ranks in football.

After a two-year tour of duty in the United States Army, McClarien began a successful NFL career with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was named to the NFL All-Pro team in 1958. 

In 1961, he returned to his alma mater and become the winningest basketball coach in school history. McClarien also coached football and golf at Bethune-Cookman and served as the Director of Athletics from 1961 to 1972.

During his storied coaching career, he coached in over 900 football and basketball games. McClairen earned MEAC Coach of the Year accolades in basketball (1989) and in football (1994).

In 1988, he was inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame.

McClairen currently serves as the Senior Associate Athletics Director and assistant golf coach at Bethune-Cookman.