Mac McLeran

Mac McLeran is in his first year with the University of Iowa football program. He is an analyst assisting with the Hawkeye defense. 

McLeran joined the Iowa staff after serving as the defensive run game coordinator and linebackers coach at Southern Illinois University for four seasons (2022-25). During his tenure, he guided the development of All-American linebacker Ben Bogle, as well as two-time all-conference linebacker Branson Combs, plus MVFC All-Newcomer linebackers Chris Harris and Colin Bohanek.

In 2024, Bogle became the first Saluki linebacker to earn All-America status since 2009. He led the league in tackles for loss (16.5) and added 87 tackles, 5.5 sacks and two interceptions. Bogle was a finalist for the prestigious Buck Buchanan Award, which goes to the top defensive player in the FCS. He finished 20th in the voting.

In 2023, McLeran’s linebacker corps was instrumental in helping the Salukis achieve a top 10 ranking in the FCS in numerous statistical categories -- scoring defense (4th/16.2 points per game), total defense (4th/282.3 yards per game), sacks (6th/3.00 sacks per game), rushing defense (5th/94.2 yards per game), pass efficiency defense (7th/111.73), turnovers gained (7th/25 turnovers) and fourth down defense (8th/0.333 conversion rate).

During McLeran's tenure at SIU, the Salukis advanced to the Sweet 16 of the FCS Playoffs in 2023 and posted marquee wins over Big Ten Northwestern (2022) and Northern Illinois (2023). 

Before joining the Salukis staff, McLeran served as the tight ends coach (2021) and assistant linebackers coach/defensive analyst (2020) at UNI.

An all-state offensive lineman from North Liberty, Iowa, McLeran played three seasons (2013-15) at the University South Dakota and was a team captain before suffering a career-ending injury. He started his coaching career with the Coyotes, serving as a graduate assistant with the linebackers and defensive line in 2019. 

McLeran graduated with the bachelor's degree in general studies with focuses on exercise science, art, and communication studies from South Dakota in 2018. 

He and his wife, Sydney, have a son, Brooks.