Coach Christopher Clift began his coaching tenure at Western New Mexico University in March of 2024, when Head Football Coach Billy Hickman named him the Mustangs new Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers Coach. Prior to Wheeling, Clift was the defensive coordinator at Oberlin College. The Yeomen produced 10 takeaways and 12 sacks with three players having over 60 tackles. Mentored an all conference safety.
Clift came to Oberlin after spending the previous two seasons at Luther College (IA) where he served as the special teams coordinator and defensive line coach. During his time with the Norse, Clift mentored a First-Team All-American Rivers Conference selection on the defensive line. Prior to Luther College, he served as the defensive line coach at Thomas More College (KY) in 2017. Under his tutelage, the Saints defensive line produced the Presidents Athletic Conference leader in sacks.
Clift began his coaching career at Streetsboro High School (2006-17) where he coached football, wrestling and baseball. While at SHS, he served as the defensive coordinator (2012-17), coaching a unit that established 12 individual and team records. Clift Has also coached at Benedictine High School and John Carroll University. Clift played collegiately at John Carroll and Case Western Reserve University. Clift earned his Master of Education from Xavier University. From New London, Ohio. Currently lives in St. Clairsville, Ohio with wife Nichole.
