From Tulane’s turnaround to Northwest’s new era: McMenamin brings winning philosophy
By Calvin Silvers
Up in Maryville, Missouri, Northwest Missouri State athletics has enjoyed monumental success across various sports over the past decade. In 2024, two major programs ushered in new eras. The basketball team hired Matt Keeley as head coach following Ben McCollum’s departure to Drake University.
The second program to turn a new chapter was Northwest Football. After missing the Division II playoffs in back-to-back seasons, the storied program entrusted its future to offensive-minded innovator John McMenamin.
The Nov. 16 loss to Pittsburg State concluded another uncharacteristic end to the season, with the Bearcats missing the Division II playoffs for a second straight year. To reclaim its storied legacy, the Bearcats turned to a familiar face: former player and Division I offensive coordinator John McMenamin, who once led Tulane University from 2-10 to 10-2 in a historic turnaround.
“What I noticed was leadership that really came through in accountability,” McMenamin said. “That team, you know, went 2-10, and they turned around and went 10-2 and won the Cotton Bowl, that leadership really stuck out.”
Tulane’s 10-2 season, highlighted by a Cotton Bowl victory over USC, was a testament to the power of belief and cohesion. Despite not being the most talented squad, the team thrived by embracing a unified goal and unrelenting confidence.
That philosophy is a blueprint McMenamin hopes to instill at Northwest Missouri State.
“Leading from within, passion trumps logic,” McMenamin said. “You know, it’s not a math test. Just because they’re favored to win doesn’t mean they’re going to and so, you know, we can overcome quite a bit, and we just got to instill that in them and set it up in practice and our beliefs.”
Coming from the Division I landscape, which often resembles the chaotic terrain of the Wild West with NIL, McMenamin has seen how NIL, when used effectively, can transform a program. Conversations with alumni, coaches, and former players highlighted the strong community support to attract top talent and restore Northwest’s dominance.
“It’s (NIL) is the number one priority. You know, I really mean that’s the way you can create a niche, and you got to hustle to do that,” McMenamin said. “That’s something I’m, you know, I pride myself on and will try and do, and we have an incredible, huge alumni base, and they’re itching to help.”
With NCAA FBS rosters capped at 105 athletes, former Division I players seeking more playing time and exposure could look to the Division II level. McMenamin has two key principles, besides success, to sell to potential recruits.
“You are honest and you say exactly about how it is. The worst thing you can do is bring a kid here and then you pull the curtains back and say this is how it really is,” McMenamin said. “If they’re interested in playing, if they’re interested in relationships, if they’re interested in developing, then it’s a good spot for them.”
One major shift will likely be on the defensive side. Former head coach Rich Wright was defensive-minded, and his leadership reflected that.
While McMenamin brings a new offense-focused mindset, he recognizes the importance of maintaining Northwest’s defensive identity.
“They won the national championship. The offense was very good and did a good job, but the defense was incredible,” McMenamin said. “You know, they had one year, they didn’t give up a rushing touchdown. And, you know, I want to keep that.”
