November 19th, 2024 8:30am
By Max Bennett, McKendree Sports Information
LEBANON, Ill. – McKendree University Director of Athletics Anthony Francis announced on Tuesday, November 19th that he is removing the interim tag from the head football coach Jason Rejfek.
The Bearcats went 5-6 during the 2024 campaign and 4-4 in conference play. They sat in the top 15 in the country is first down offense and time of possession. McKendree also improved 70-plus spots in the total defense category from a year ago. Under Rejfek's leadership during the 2024 season, running back Eddie Clark set the new program mark for rushing yards in a single season.
"I want to thank President Dobbins, Athletic Director Anthony Francis and the University for the opportunity to step into the role of Head Football Coach here full time," said Rejfek. "The players have been a great support during this time and bought into the changes that we have made this semester. We cannot wait to continue to build our culture and these young men into McKendree Bearcats."
Coach Rejfek returned to his alma mater in April 2018 to join the Bearcats' coaching staff. Rejfek, who was a four-year letter winner at linebacker, coached the McKendree wide receivers upon his return but moved back into a familiar role for 2019 by guiding the Bearcats' defensive backs. He was then promoted to the defensive coordinator.
"Coach Rejfek was asked to lead a program under some very difficult circumstances. I couldn't be more proud of how he handled this situation," said Anthony Francis. "He has done an exceptional job over the last few months, making it an easy decision to offer him a tremendous opportunity to be the permanent leader of this program. I'm looking forward to seeing Coach Rejfek take this program to another level and competing for championships. Our student-athletes are in great hands."
Rejfek came back to McKendree after spending three seasons as an assistant coach at Lindenwood University-Belleville. During his time as a member of the Lynx staff, Rejfek coached defensive backs, defensive line and wide receivers. Rejfek was also the program's recruiting coordinator during his final two years with the program.
Upon his return to McKendree, Rejfek coached a trio of All-Great Lakes Valley Conference receivers in Jalyn Williams, Josh Revay and Matt Cole. Williams grabbed 40 passes for a team-high 615 yards in his senior year while leading the Bearcats with a school-record eight touchdown catches. Revay led the McKendree receiving unit with 45 catches for nearly 500 yards while hauling in six TDs. Cole was third with 22 receptions for 354 yards in 2018.
Jason and his wife, Sami Rejfek have been married for five years and have one son, Logan Thor Rejfek.