Former Steelers Nose Tackle Named High School Head Coach

Steve McLendon returns to his alma mater in Ozark, Alabama to lead the Carroll High School football program.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 11:03pm

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Former Pittsburgh Steelers nose tackle Steve McLendon has been named the new head football coach at Carroll High School in Ozark, Alabama, where he played high school football. McLendon, who played in the NFL from 2009 to 2021 and won a Super Bowl with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, is excited to return to his hometown and instill a new mindset and mentality in the school and community.

Why it matters

McLendon's transition from the NFL to high school coaching is an inspiring story of a player giving back to his roots. As an undrafted free agent who carved out a successful 12-year NFL career, McLendon's experience and leadership can have a profound impact on shaping the next generation of players in Ozark.

The details

After retiring from the NFL in 2021, the 36-year-old McLendon was named the new head football coach at Carroll High School by the Ozark City Schools in Alabama. McLendon played high school football at Carroll before going on to star at Troy University and then signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2009. He spent the first seven seasons of his NFL career with the Steelers, followed by stints with the New York Jets and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, with whom he won a Super Bowl in 2020.

  • McLendon was named the Carroll High School head coach in March 2026.
  • He played high school football at Carroll High in Ozark, Alabama.
  • McLendon played in the NFL from 2009 to 2021, winning a Super Bowl with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2020 season.

The players

Steve McLendon

A former NFL nose tackle who played 12 seasons in the league, including seven with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He is now returning to his alma mater of Carroll High School in Ozark, Alabama to become the new head football coach.

Ozark City Schools

The school district in Ozark, Alabama that has hired Steve McLendon as the new head football coach at Carroll High School.

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What they’re saying

“Ozark is where I was born and raised. To come back home is surreal. I never imagined I'd have the opportunity to coach at the very high school where I played.”

— Steve McLendon

“I am ecstatic about the opportunity to instill a different mindset and mentality—not just for the football program, but for the school and the community as well.”

— Steve McLendon

What’s next

McLendon will begin his new role as Carroll High School's head football coach in the upcoming 2026 season.

The takeaway

McLendon's transition from the NFL to high school coaching demonstrates the value of experienced players giving back to their local communities. His leadership and mentorship can have a lasting impact on the next generation of athletes in Ozark, Alabama.