KU’s Jim Clements receives national coaching honor

By Mike Drago Last updated Dec 17, 2025

Kutztown University coach Jim Clements. (Kutztown University photo)

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Kutztown University head coach Jim Clements received coaching’s highest honor Monday when he was named the 2025 American Football Coaches Association Division II National Coach of the Year.
Clements, a six-time AFCA Regional Coach of the Year, earned his first national award after leading the Golden Bears to their third straight PSAC East and PSAC championships, second Super Region 1 championship in the last three seasons, a spot in the national semifinals and a 14-1 record.
Kutztown finished the regular season unbeaten for the second year in a row and will enter the 2026 season with a Division II-best 31-game regular season winning streak, dating to 2023.

The Golden Bears set program single-season records for victories, consecutive victories (14), and points scored (645) while matching their highest ranking in the AFCA Division II Poll at No. 3.
Clements was recently named Region 1 Coach of the Year for the fifth time (2019, 2021, 2023, 2024, 2025), to go along with an AFCA Division III Region 2 Coach of the Year honor at Delaware Valley in 2010.
Clements won his 100th game with the Golden Bears at Bloomsburg Nov. 8. Kutztown went unbeaten in PSAC East play for the fifth time in the last six seasons.
In 11 seasons leading the Golden Bears, Clements has produced a 104-30 record. He is the program’s all-time leader in wins and winning percentage (.776).
Overall, Clements is 170-54 (.759) in 19 seasons between Kutztown and Delaware Valley.
The Golden Bears have recorded winning seasons in each of Clements’ 11 seasons, including five 10-plus win seasons. He’s a five-time PSAC East Coach of the Year.
Clements is Kutztown’s first AFCA National Coach of the Year. The AFCA selects National Coaches of the Year in the Football Bowl Subdivision, Football Championship Subdivision, Division II, Division III and NAIA.
Others honored Monday: Indiana University’s Curt Cignetti (FBS), Presbyterian’s Steve Englehart (FCS), North Central’s Brad Spencer (Division III), and Benedictine’s Joel Osborn (NAIA).