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Buford Today
By the People, for the People
Carroll Eagles Hire Former NFL Star Steve McLendon as Head Coach
McLendon, a Carroll alum, brings a winning pedigree to the program after a 13-year NFL career and Super Bowl 55 championship with the Buccaneers.
Mar. 21, 2026 at 2:55am
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The Carroll Eagles have hired former NFL player Steve McLendon as their new head coach. McLendon, a Carroll alum, joins the program after a successful 13-year NFL career that included a Super Bowl 55 championship with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He previously served as a defensive line coach for the Georgia powerhouse Buford Wolves. The Eagles are hoping McLendon can bring stability to the team after their previous head coach, Jacob Kelly, left the position just a month after being hired due to personal reasons.
Why it matters
The hiring of Steve McLendon as the new head coach of the Carroll Eagles represents a homecoming for the former NFL player, who is returning to his alma mater to lead the program. McLendon's extensive professional experience and championship pedigree are expected to provide much-needed stability and a winning mentality to the Eagles, who have faced recent coaching turnover.
The details
Steve McLendon, a Carroll alum, has been hired as the new head coach of the Carroll Eagles football team. McLendon spent 13 years in the NFL, playing as a defensive lineman and captain for several teams, including the Pittsburgh Steelers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He won a Super Bowl championship with the Buccaneers in 2021. Prior to the NFL, McLendon was a standout player for the Carroll Eagles during his high school career. After retiring from the NFL, he served as a defensive line coach for the Buford Wolves, a Georgia high school football powerhouse. The Eagles are hoping McLendon's winning experience and familiarity with the program can help stabilize the team after the recent departure of former head coach Jacob Kelly.
- On Friday, March 21, 2026, the Carroll Eagles announced the hiring of Steve McLendon as their new head coach.
- McLendon won Super Bowl 55 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2021.
The players
Steve McLendon
A Carroll alum and former NFL player who won Super Bowl 55 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He has been hired as the new head coach of the Carroll Eagles football team.
Jacob Kelly
The former head coach of the Carroll Eagles who left the position just a month after being hired due to personal reasons.
Buford Wolves
A Georgia high school football powerhouse where Steve McLendon served as a defensive line coach prior to being hired as the Carroll Eagles' head coach.
What they’re saying
“We're thrilled to welcome Steve McLendon back to the Carroll Eagles program as our new head coach. His winning experience and deep connection to our school will be invaluable as we look to build a successful and stable football program.”
— Carroll Eagles Athletic Director
What’s next
The Carroll Eagles will hold a press conference on Monday, March 24th to formally introduce Steve McLendon as the team's new head coach.
The takeaway
The hiring of Steve McLendon, a Carroll alum with an impressive NFL career and championship pedigree, represents an exciting new chapter for the Eagles football program. His return to his alma mater is expected to bring much-needed stability and a winning mentality to the team after recent coaching turnover.
