Eric McNelley, a South Florida native, joined the Eagles' coaching staff for the 2014-15 season as an assistant and became the head coach at the start of the 2015-16 year.
In the last two seasons, his teams have won more MAC Freedom games (25) than any other team, and had four players earn five All-Conference Awards. Shaquan Turk earned MAC Freedom Player of the Year Honors in 2016-17, and Victor Peña joined him on the First Team. In 2017-18, Peña repeated on the First Team and was joined by fellow junior Darius Washington. Antonio Chapman was named to the Second Team.
McNelley brought 15 years of coaching experience at both the high school and collegiate levels to Eastern. Coach McNelley most recently served as the athletic director of one of the most prestigious Christian high schools in the country, Westminster Christian School in Miami, Fla. He began in that position in January 2011 and helped realign the athletic program with the school's vision of excellence on and off the playing fields.
Before his time at Westminster Christian, Coach McNelley served on coach Cesar Odio’s staff at D-2 Barry University of the Sunshine State Conference. Coach McNelley managed the offensive game plan for the Buccaneers, headed recruiting efforts, player development, and scouting and managed academic progress for his two years on staff.
McNelley was instrumental in the Buccaneers' run in the NCAA Tournament and earning a top 15 ranking during the 2009-2010 season. Barry advanced to the second round of the NCAA tournament, finishing a historic run for the program.
Prior to Barry University, Coach McNelley served on Dr. John Giannini’s staff at La Salle University as Director of Basketball Operations. McNelley’s responsibilities included daily scheduling, travel & meals, study halls, community service projects and off-season skill development. In addition to his duties as DBO, coach McNelley assisted the Explorers in establishing strong recruiting ties in the South Florida area and throughout Latin America.
Previously, McNelley was the head coach of two different high school programs in Miami, Fla., Holy Cross Academy and La Salle High School respectively. Under McNelley’s tutelage both programs saw tremendous success advancing to the Florida state regional finals on three different occasions, two regional semi-finals and one regional quarterfinals during his seven years running his own programs. McNelley posted an impressive 122-62 record and developed eight professional athletes and over 25 collegiate players.
In addition to his success as a high school coach, Eric McNelley also ran a successful AAU program called Elite Hoops. This program allowed McNelley to establish strong recruiting ties throughout the country and also a niche internationally as well.
McNelley holds a master’s degree in administration and a bachelor’s degree in public administration from Barry University. He currently lives in Newtown Square, Pa., with his wife Jessica and their three children Lucas, Olivia, and Charlotte.
You can contact Coach McNelley by email at  emcnell@eastern.eduÂ
