OCEANSIDE — El Camino High School’s search for a new head football coach ended close to home Feb. 9, as the Wildcats announced the hiring of Vista High School alum and North County native Stefan McClure.
“We are excited to welcome Coach McClure to El Camino High School,” Athletic Director Ben Daley told The Coast News. “His experience at the collegiate and professional levels, combined with his local roots, makes him an excellent fit for our program and community.”
McClure, a standout at Vista High School (Class of 2011), was one of San Diego County’s most decorated two-way players during his prep career.
A U.S. Army All-American Bowl participant, he earned All-State honors on both offense and defense as a junior and senior, led the Avocado League’s East Division in both receiving and interceptions, and helped guide Vista to a San Diego Section championship during a 12-1 senior season.
After high school, McClure played defensive back at the University of California, Berkeley. Despite missing multiple games due to injury, he became the only player in Cal history to serve as a team captain three consecutive seasons. McClure finished his collegiate career with 165 tackles, two interceptions, and three fumble recoveries, earning honorable mention All-Pac-12 honors as a senior.
McClure had a brief professional career, appearing in seven games for the Washington Commanders in 2017, recording three tackles. He also spent time with the Indianapolis Colts and Detroit Lions, though he did not appear in any regular-season games.
“He is known for his leadership, discipline, and commitment to developing student-athletes on and off the field,” Daley said.
McClure began his coaching career at SMU in 2019 as a graduate assistant and was promoted to cornerbacks coach in 2021, a role he held through this past season.
At El Camino, McClure succeeds Michael Hobbs, who stepped down as head coach on Dec. 4 after nine seasons.
Hobbs led the Wildcats to two CIF section titles and five consecutive City Championships, earning multiple coaching honors along the way. This past season, El Camino struggled, finishing 2-9 and going winless in Avocado East play, including a 22-0 loss to crosstown rival Oceanside.
After a first-round bye in the Division II playoffs, the Wildcats fell 17-14 in their opening game against Scripps Ranch.
Despite an adverse season, multiple Wildcats players praised Hobbs for his leadership and dedication to the program.
“A lot of people in the community blamed him for how our season went,” graduating long snapper Blake Drucker said. “He’s the most passionate coach I’ve ever played for. Through the rough season, he always stayed optimistic and encouraged us to improve. He never quit on us or showed negativity. Whether you were a freshman kicker on JV or the starting QB on varsity, he treated all of us the same — and for the better.”
“Coach Hobbs trusts his dogs to be dogs,” wide receiver Omega Cruise said during the season. “He runs the offense to perfection. He knows his athletes and the situations that put us all in a position to make plays. He’s the showrunner, and we love his tenacity.”
Daley expressed optimism about the program’s direction under its new leadership.
“El Camino looks forward to a new and exciting chapter of Wildcats football under Coach McClure’s leadership,” he said.
