Jason McLean returns to coach Muhlenberg

Jason McLean, the first All-American in school history, will coach Muhlenberg for the 2017-2018 season. McLean was a 2001 All-American at 141 lbs. when he finished 8th in Waterloo, Iowa. He has been working in various roles in the New Brunswick, New Jersey, school district since 2003, and restarted the school’s wrestling program in 2006. He replaces Shaun Lally who resigned at the end of September. Muhlenberg kicks off the season at the Monarch Invitational on November 4th. Read on for more from Muhlenberg.

Jason McLean named head wrestling coach

10/16/17

More than a decade after becoming the first All-American in program history, Jason McLean is returning to Muhlenberg as head wrestling coach.

A 2001 graduate of Muhlenberg, McLean earned All-America honors by finishing eighth at 141 pounds at the NCAA Championships as a senior. He also won the Centennial Conference championship that year, finishing with a record of 34-11 – the second-most wins in a season in program history.

McLean also went 28-10 and was the CC runner-up at 126 in 1998. He ended his career with a 71-31 record.

“This opportunity to step in at the helm at Muhlenberg means the world to me,” said McLean upon his hiring. “I am beyond appreciative of Corey Goff [director of athletics] and the Muhlenberg faithful for giving me this opportunity and look forward to the journey ahead.”

“The plan is to lead with the same vigor, drive and persistence that helped make me Muhlenberg College’s first All-American and to fill the wall with more. I never took my last year of eligibility and chance at giving Muhlenberg a two-time All-American then; I plan on making up for it now.”

Since 2003, McLean has served the New Brunswick (N.J.) School District in a variety of roles, including head wrestling coach, assistant football coach, assistant track & field coach and assistant athletic director. He also has coached football at The Pingry School (N.J.).

In 2006, McLean re-established the defunct New Brunswick High School wrestling program after a 25-year absence. Starting from scratch and forced to practice in hallways and other area schools at the beginning of his tenure, McLean built a program whose roster numbered in the 40s. The program now fields a youth program and a competitive middle school team as well. He was also one of the co-founders of the New Jersey Urban Wrestling League.

McLean was named Greater Middlesex Conference Blue Division coach of the year in 2016 after leading the Zebras to a 21-8 record. New Brunswick qualified for team sectionals last year and have had a winning record five years running as well as qualifying a handful of wrestlers for the regional tournament.