John L. Clarke joined the Benedictine staff as their Defensive Backs coach during the 2024 season. He brings extensive experience from the high school, collegiate, and semi-professional levels. Known for his defensive expertise and player development skills, Clarke has consistently elevated team performance through strategic planning, disciplined execution, and a commitment to academic and athletic excellence. During the 2024 season, the defense lowered their point scoring from 25 ppg to 17 ppg and increased their interception totals. During the 2025 season, the defense took another step forward, once again decreasing their PPG from 17 to 16 ppg. They also increased their interception totals from the previous year, going from 6 to 8 interceptions.
Â
Prior to his arrival at Benedictine University, Clarke was the Defensive Coordinator and Linebacker coach for Plano High School (Plano, IL) for 5 years. During his tenure, he installed a versatile defensive scheme that dramatically improved team results; lowering points allowed per game by double digits and recording multiple shutouts each season. His leadership helped Plano secure playoff appearances in 2021 and 2023, where his defense held high-powered offenses well below their scoring averages. Clarke oversaw a Defense that produced 33 Academic All-Conference players, 24 All-Conference players, 9 All-Area Players, 3 Academic All-State players, 1 All-State player and 1 Conference Player of the Year.
Previously, at Aurora University, Clarke contributed to a NACC Co-Championship season and coached linebackers who earned All-Conference honors, including a Defensive Player of the Year and an NCAA Division III All-Region selection. His earlier collegiate roles at North Park University and Millikin University showcased his ability to develop defensive backs and implement coverage schemes that led to conference recognition.
Beyond traditional programs, Clarke revived Loyola University Chicago's dormant club football program as Head Coach, earning NCFA Coach of the Year honors and leading the team to national prominence. He was inducted into the LUC Club Football Hall of Fame in 2019.
His semi-professional experience with the Leyden Lions and Chicago Force further demonstrates his adaptability and success across diverse competitive environments. Clarke has also been invited to coach at prestigious summer camps for the University of Notre Dame and the University of Miami, reflecting his reputation for teaching and leadership.
Clarke played at Millikin University as a Defensive Back from 1997-2001, winning two conference titles. Throughout his career, Clarke has combined tactical innovation with a strong focus on character and academic achievement. His track record of building disciplined, high-performing defenses and mentoring student-athletes underscores his value to any football program seeking excellence on and off the field.
