NASHVILLE, TN – February 19, 2026 – Longtime Rhodes College coach and athletics administrator Mike Clary has been named to the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2026. The Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame, sponsored by the Tennessee Lottery, honors individuals who have made a lasting impact on the history of sports in the state of Tennessee.
“Mike Clary’s career is one of the most remarkable stories of dedication and service in Tennessee college athletics,” said Brad Willis, Executive Director of the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame. “For more than four decades at Rhodes College, Mike shaped generations of student-athletes as a coach, administrator, and mentor. His influence reaches far beyond the field of play, and we are proud to welcome him into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2026.”
A 1977 graduate of Rhodes College, Clary devoted 44 years to the institution as a student-athlete, coach, and administrator, becoming the longest-tenured athletics staff member in school history. He served as head football coach from 1984 to 1996, establishing himself as the winningest coach in program history and leading the Lynx to national prominence during the late 1980s.
In addition to football, Clary coached multiple sports during his career, including men’s track and field and swimming and diving, before later guiding the Rhodes women’s golf program to unprecedented success. Under his leadership, the women’s golf team captured three NCAA Division III National Championships (2014, 2016, and 2017), including the first national title in school history.
Clary also served as Director of Athletics at Rhodes from 1990 to 2016. During his tenure, the college significantly expanded its athletic offerings and consistently ranked among the top Division III programs nationally for both competitive excellence and academic achievement. He was inducted into the Rhodes College Athletic Hall of Fame in 2016 in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to the institution.
“Mike Clary’s legacy is defined by his commitment to student-athletes and to the mission of higher education,” Willis added. “His career reflects the very best of what college athletics can represent, and his induction honors a lifetime devoted to excellence and integrity in sports.”
Clary joins Monica Abbott, Matt Cain, the late Reggie Cobb, Antone Davis, Bubba Luckett, Charles McRae, andDavid Price as announced members of the 2026 Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Induction Class. The full class will be announced over the coming weeks.
The 2026 Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, presented by the Tennessee Titans, will be held Saturday, July 11, 2026, at the Omni Nashville Downtown. Ticket and event information will be announced at a later date.
About the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame
Established in 1966, the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame, sponsored by the Tennessee Lottery, honors athletes, teams, coaches, sports writers, and sports administrators who have made a meaningful impact on the history of Tennessee sports. The Hall serves as a platform to connect athletes, coaches, fans, and supporters while celebrating achievements shaped through sports. The Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame also seeks to educate youth on the importance of healthy habits and the positive role sports play in developing character and leadership. For more information, visit www.tshf.net.
About the Tennessee Education Lottery Corporation
The Tennessee Education Lottery Corporation operates entirely from the revenue generated through the sale of its products. Since January 20, 2004, the Lottery has raised more than $8.1 billion to fund designated education programs, including college grants, scholarships, Drive to 55 initiatives, and after-school programs. In addition to educational beneficiaries, players have won billions in prizes, and Lottery retailers have earned billions in commissions. For more information, visit tnlottery.com and follow the Tennessee Education Lottery on Facebook, X (Twitter), and Instagram.
