Mike Conway has played an instrumental part in the Vulcans’ transformation into one of the PSAC’s perennial powerhouses, serving as associate head coach and defensive coordinator. During last season’s historical 13-1 season, he guided the No. 1-ranked defense in NCAA Division II, as the unit yielded just 207.6 total yards per game.
The 2008 season marks Conway’s seventh season with California University of Pennsylvania. In his six years with the team, the Vulcans have ranked among the Top 25 nationally in total defense three times.
Last season, Cal limited opponents to just 55.9 rushing yards and 11.5 points per game, both marks led Division II.
His extensive coaching background, includes a stint at two Division I programs as an assistant coach, a four-year tenure as a head coach in the NAIA, along with a coordinator position with current Cal head coach John Luckhart at Division III-powerhouse Washington & Jefferson College.
Conway started his coaching career in 1984, serving 10 years as the defensive coordinator for Luckhardt at W&J. During his tenure, the Presidents compiled a 98-8-1 record and made nine appearances in the NCAA Division III Playoffs, including two national championship contests.
After his time at W&J, Conway served as the defensive line coach at Division I Purdue University for head coach Jim Colletto in 1995.
He then accepted his first head football coaching job at Olivet Nazarene University, a NAIA program located in Bourbonnais, Ill. He guided the Tigers to a 31-14 overall record in four seasons, including a trip to the 1998 NAIA National Championship Game.
Following his time at ONU, Conway spent the next three seasons at Division-I Arkansas State University and NAIA programs Geneva College and Southwestern College (Kansas).
A native of Pittsburgh, Conway holds a master’s degree in health education from Penn State University, and he earned his undergraduate degree in sociology and communication from Olivet Nazarene in 1983. As a player, he was a two-time All-American offensive lineman for the Tigers. He went on to play professionally in the CFL, USFL and NFL before a back injury forced his retirement.
Conway and his wife Beth reside in California with their two sons, T.D. and Dakota.
