NW Missouri Times

John McMenamin, a 2002 graduate of Northwest Missouri State University, was named the 21st head coach of the Bearcat football program last winter. McMenamin, who hails from Omaha, Nebraska, brings over 15 years of coaching experience at various levels to his new role.

Reflecting on his return to Northwest Missouri State, McMenamin said, “It’s truly an honor. Northwest is a special place that shaped me during my college years and gave me lifelong friendships and experiences. It’s more than just a university — it’s a community that means a great deal to me.”

He recalled some of his most memorable moments as a student-athlete. “There are so many lasting memories, but a few really stand out — winning two national championships, beating Pitt State in the Clash of Champions at Arrowhead Stadium and setting the Division II attendance record. But beyond the wins, it’s the relationships that mean the most. I formed lifelong bonds with teammates, coaches and members of the Maryville community. That shared Bearcat passion ties us all together.”

McMenamin also spoke about the influence of two former coaches on his career: Coach T and Coach ’Boda. “Both had a profound impact on my life and career. They were different in their approach, but equally influential.

Coach T laid out a blueprint for success that was clear, intentional and rooted in relationships. He brought in the right people, built trust year after year and cared deeply —not just about winning but about you as a person. Even after I graduated, he stayed in touch and was a consistent source of support. He had a gift for motivating people and helping them find the right path. I’m incredibly grateful for his guidance over the years.

Coach ’Boda was the one who first believed in me. He recruited me out of Elkhorn High School and somehow tolerated me for five years as a player. He has an incredible football mind and was always one step ahead of any defense. He made learning fun and taught me, especially as a quarterback, that ‘knowledge is power.’ I didn’t jump into coaching right away, but when I did, he gave me my first shot as offensive coordinator at Central Missouri. We had a blast building that offense together, and later I had the chance to join him again at Tulane, where I continued to grow under his mentorship. He’s not just a mentor — he’s a great friend and someone I deeply admire.”

Despite having family ties to coaching—his father was also involved in high school football—McMenamin initially pursued another career path before returning to athletics full-time.

“Funny enough, coaching wasn’t always the plan,” he said. “My dad was a great high school coach, but I initially didn’t think it was for me. After college, I spent six years in the corporate world. Eventually, I walked away from a job at Wells Fargo to pursue my master’s and become a graduate assistant at the University of Nebraska Omaha. After that first day on the practice field, I knew I was right where I was supposed to be.”

On becoming head coach at Northwest Missouri State University—a position he once only dreamed about—McMenamin credited timing along with personal support.

“I definitely dreamed about it,” he explained. “As a player and coach, I was always on the other side of the ‘paw,’ trying to beat it and usually not succeeding. With the incredible stability and success of the coaches who came before me, I figured it would remain a dream. Timing plays a big role in any opportunity, and when this position opened, I was lucky to be in the right place at the right time with the full support of my wife Andrea and our kids to pursue this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

Looking ahead to what fans can expect from Bearcat football under his leadership this fall season:

“We’re going to play with passion and purpose,” McMenamin stated.“We’re implementing a process rooted in many of the same principles Coach T instilled witha few thingsI’ve picked up alongthe wayfrom other incredible coaches.I can’t promise winsand losses,butIcan promiseour players will compete harder than anyone.They’ll care deeplyaboutthe pawontheir helmets ,about those who came before themand those whowill come after.There are no shortcuts tos uccess,but our standardis high,and our commitmentis real.I can’t waitfor peopleto seeus takefieldthis fall.”

He also highlighted how vital fan involvement is both during gamesand throughoutthe year.“Our fans makea huge difference.As avisitingcoach,I used tohate comingtoMaryville.Itwas loud,intenseand intimidating,andthat’sthe wayit shouldbe.We’re workingtobringthat atmosphereback.Northwestfansare passionate,andweneedthemrockingthe’VilleonSaturdaysagain.

Butit’smorethanjustgameday.Onthefield,theirsupportmattersjustasmuch.IwantourplayerstoconnectwiththecommunitythewayIdid.We’vealreadyhadfansdonateitemsandresourcesthatdirectlyhelpourstudent-athletes.Thatkindofsupporthelpsusclosethegapbetweenwhatweofferandwhatotherprogramshave.Italladds up—anditallmatters.”