Veteran college football coach retires after 30 years leading the program.

Clay Hendrix will retire as Furman football head coach after the 2026 season, bringing his 29-year association with the Paladins to a close. He will coach the team through its final four games before stepping down; Furman has not announced a successor.

A former Furman offensive guard, Hendrix played for the Paladins from 1982 to 1985 and later coached the team’s offensive line for 19 seasons. Since becoming head coach in 2016, he has led Furman to Southern Conference championships in 2018 and 2023, multiple FCS playoff appearances, and a 2023 national quarterfinal run. His career head coaching record stands at 62-49, and he contributed to 11 of Furman’s 15 conference titles as a player, assistant, and head coach.

Furman’s recent seasons have been challenging: the Paladins went 3-8 in 2024 and 6-6 in 2025, and entered the final stretch of 2026 at 2-6. Hendrix’s retirement marks the end of a significant chapter for the program as it seeks a new coach and works to regain its winning form.

### Key Takeaways
– Clay Hendrix will retire after the 2026 season, following 29 years of service to Furman.
– His tenure includes Southern Conference titles in 2018 and 2023 and a 2023 FCS quarterfinal appearance.
– Hendrix leaves a 62-49 head coaching record and a legacy tied to 11 Furman conference championships.
– Furman has not named its next head coach.

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