Keith Clark - Football Coach - Dartmouth College Athletics

Photo by: Mark Washburn

Keith Clark

Title:
Assistant Coach - Offensive Coordinator/Offensive Line
Alma Mater:
Lafayette ’85
Email:
keith.p.clark@dartmouth.edu
Phone (603):
603-646-3150
At Dartmouth:
15th Year (2009-)

Recruiting Area: Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania (all but Philadelphia), Tennessee, West Virginia

During Keith Clark’s first 14 years with the Big Green, the running game has been one of the strongest in the Ivy League, while the pass blocking has ranked among the best in the FCS. Eleven of his linemen have been named first-team All-Ivy League 16 times, with at least one such honor every season between 2010-21, including All-American Matt Kaskey in 2017 and ’18.

A coaching veteran of 37 years in the college ranks, 29 in the Ivy League, Clark took a line of mostly underclassmen and molded them into a formidable front that paved the way for Nick Schwieger ’12 to lead the Ivy League in rushing yards per game for three straight years and set the school career rushing record. His front five have allowed one sack or fewer per game four times — 2010, ’11, ’17 and ’18.

In 2012, Dartmouth ranked 33rd in passing, then followed that up by ranking 18th in rushing (best in the Ivy League). The Green averaged over 30 points a game in 2014 for the first time in over two decades, and after earning a league title in 2015, the 2016 squad led the Ancient Eight in passing and ranked second in total offense. Over the last four seasons, Dartmouth has ranked in the top 25 each year in fewest sacks allowed. In addition, The 2018 Big Green were 11th in rushing offense, and the 2019 offense led the league in rushing and pass efficiency, setting a school record (173.1) in the latter category, while ranking third nationally in third-down conversion percentage. The Big Green ranked in the top 10 in completion percentage (second) and pass efficiency (seventh) for a third straight campaign in 2021 when winning their second straight Ivy title and 20th overall.

Clark spent 12 seasons (1997-2008) on the sidelines at Yale, first as the offensive line coach before being elevated to associate head coach in 2003. He also spent time as the Bulldogs’ offensive coordinator as Yale broke 75 school offensive records. Clark helped Yale to an overall record of 70-49 and two Ivy championships (1999 and 2006). No less than 11 Bulldog offensive linemen earned first-team All-Ivy honors under his guidance.

Clark got his start in the Ivy League at Columbia, spending five years with the Lions as the offensive line coach and run game coordinator. He also oversaw the strength program and team travel as part of his duties. In his final season at Columbia, the Lions posted a record of 8-2, their best showing in 50 years.

Clark has been a member of the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) since 1987 and was chairman of the FCS Assistant Coach’s Committee for four years. Clark has been active in the community as well, participating in Reading for Elementary Schools Program and Middle School Football Mentoring Program.Prior to his Ivy League service, Clark spent three seasons at Wagner College as the offensive line coach, recruiting coordinator, special teams coordinator and strength coach. The Seahawks posted a 16-13 mark with Clark on the staff. He coached for single seasons at Rutgers as a graduate assistant in 1988, Maine as the Black Bears won the Yankee Conference and advanced to the I-AA playoffs, and his alma mater, Lafayette, in 1986. In addition, he was the head coach of the Bolzano Jets in Italy for two seasons, posting an overall mark of 21-6.

A 1985 graduate of Lafayette with a bachelor’s degree in metallurgical engineering, Clark was a three-year starter at offensive left tackle for the Leopards, plus wrestled for two years.

Clark and his wife, Kristen, have one son, Kaelan.