Kutztown University football coach Jim Clements has garnered his third consecutive American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Region 1 award, following his team’s triumph in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) championship. This recognition marks Clements’ sixth regional award, with five received during his tenure at Kutztown and one from Delaware Valley University.
The AFCA honors five regional Coach of the Year winners across its five divisions, which include the Football Bowl Subdivision, Football Championship Subdivision, Division II, Division III, and NAIA. Selection is made by active members of the association who cast votes for coaches within their respective regions and divisions. Clements’ exemplary leadership has propelled the Golden Bears to two consecutive undefeated regular seasons.
Kutztown, currently holding the top seed in Super One Region, initiated the NCAA Division II playoffs this past weekend by defeating Bentley with a commanding score of 52-0. The team is set to host Assumption in the second round of the playoffs on Saturday, December 6, 2025.
Clements stands as the winningest head coach in Kutztown history, boasting an impressive record of 102-29. His overall coaching record spans 19 seasons at Kutztown and Delaware Valley, with a total of 168-53.
In addition to Clements, other notable honorees include Curt Cignetti from Indiana, who received the award for the second consecutive year in FBS Region 3, and Kevin Cahill from Lehigh, who led the Mountain Hawks to an unbeaten season and the Patriot League title. Cahill’s team received a first-round bye in the FBC tournament and will commence play on Saturday, December 6.
The AFCA is scheduled to announce the 2025 National Coaches of the Year winners in all divisions on Monday, December 15, 2025. Regional winners in each division will be considered finalists for this prestigious honor. Historically, Mount Union, North Dakota State, and Nebraska are the leading schools for regional coach winners, with 18, 15, and 15 awards, respectively.
Clements’ continued success not only showcases his coaching prowess but also reflects the significant impact he has made at Kutztown University and in the realm of college football.
