OTTAWA, Kan. — Ottawa University announces the hiring of alumnus Phil McClintock as the new Director of Athletics for the Ottawa campus. McClintock will officially begin his role on June 1.
 
A 2009 graduate of Ottawa University and member of the Braves Athletic Hall of Fame, McClintock returns to his alma mater after a successful collegiate coaching and leadership career, most recently serving as head men's basketball coach at Friends University.
 
"Phil McClintock embodies the mission, values, and competitive spirit of Ottawa University," said Dr. Bambi Burgard, campus president of Ottawa University. "His passion for student-athlete development, proven leadership experience, and deep connection to Braves Athletics make him the ideal person to lead our athletic programs into the future. We are excited to welcome Phil and his family back to Ottawa University and look forward to the vision and energy he will bring to our athletic department."
 
McClintock also carries forward the legacy of his former Ottawa University coach, the late Andy Carrier. Carrier, one of the most respected figures in Braves Athletics history, served Ottawa University for more than three decades as a coach, mentor, and athletic administrator. His leadership helped shape generations of student-athletes and coaches while establishing a culture of excellence, integrity, and service that continues to define Braves Athletics today. McClintock has credited Carrier's mentorship and leadership philosophy as instrumental in his own development as a coach and administrator.
 
As a student-athlete at Ottawa University, McClintock earned NAIA Honorable Mention All-America honors twice and was a two-time First Team All-KCAC selection. He helped lead the Braves to a regular season conference championship, conference tournament championship and two NAIA Division II Sweet 16 appearances and remains one of the most accomplished players in program history.
 
McClintock also spent eight years on the Braves men's basketball coaching staff while also leading the University's golf programs for four of those years. In 2020, he helped guide the men's basketball team to a school-record 28-win season, a KCAC championship, and an NAIA Division II National Tournament Sweet 16 appearance.
 
During his tenure at Friends University, McClintock led the men's basketball program to significant growth and competitiveness within the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference. Known for his emphasis on culture, accountability, and student-athlete development, he helped elevate the program both on the court and in the classroom, while building strong recruiting pipelines throughout the region. McClintock led the Falcons to back-to-back National Tournament appearances, and his 2025-26 student-athletes ended the year with a 3.3 GPA. In 2025, he was named the KCAC Coach of the Year and the KBCA 4-year Coach of the Year in 2026.
 
"I am incredibly honored and humbled to return to Ottawa University as Director of Athletics," said McClintock. "Ottawa University played a tremendous role in shaping my life personally and professionally. I look forward to working alongside our coaches, staff, student-athletes, alumni, and supporters as we continue building a championship culture centered on excellence, character, and service."
 
The University also expressed appreciation for the leadership provided by Jay Kahnt and Dr. Donald Anderson, who have served as interim co-directors of athletics since December and co-chaired the search process that led to McClintock's appointment. Kahnt, Director of Administrative Operations, and Anderson, Dean of Student Life and Services, will continue working alongside McClintock as members of the campus leadership team. 
 
"Jay and Donald provided steady leadership and support for our student-athletes, coaches, and staff during this transitional period," Burgard said. "We are deeply grateful for their service, commitment, and willingness to serve the campus community. Their collaboration with Phil during this transition will help ensure continued momentum and success for Braves Athletics."
 
Ottawa University sponsors one of the largest intercollegiate athletic programs in the NAIA and competes in the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference.
 

---