McClendon began his career at Georgia as a graduate assistant and was promoted to running backs coach when Tony Ball was moved to wide receivers coach.[3] From 2009 to 2013 he served as the running backs coach for Georgia, but was reassigned to wide receivers coach in 2015 after Thomas Brown was hired from the Wisconsin Badgers.[4] From 2013 to 2015 McClendon served as the recruiting coordinator for Georgia. On January 12, 2015, he was promoted and given the title of assistant head coach. Following the departure of Mark Richt from Georgia in late 2015, McClendon was named interim head coach for the TaxSlayer Bowl.
South Carolina
After Georgia hired Kirby Smart as their head new coach, McClendon left to become the co-offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach at the University of South Carolina. On January 5, 2018, McClendon was promoted to offensive coordinator for the Gamecocks. However, he was demoted after the conclusion of the 2019 season as South Carolina's offense only scored one touchdown in their last twelve quarters of football. After being demoted he resumed his prior role as wide receivers coach, with no coordinator responsibilities.[5]
Oregon
On April 17, 2020, McClendon was hired as the passing game coordinator and wide receivers coach at the University of Oregon.[6] On December 6, 2021, McClendon was named the interim head coach for the Alamo Bowl following Mario Cristobal's departure to become the head coach at the University of Miami. Following the season, McClendon was hired by Cristobal and the Miami Hurricanes staff.[7]
Return to Georgia
On January 31, 2022, McClendon was hired as the wide receivers coach and passing game coordinator at Georgia.[8] McClendon was initially set to be the co-offensive coordinator for the Miami Hurricanes before Georgia offered him a position on its coaching staff. He replaced Cortez Hankton, who left Georgia for the same position at LSU. This is McClendon's second coaching stint with the Bulldogs, as he served under former Georgia head coach Mark Richt from 2007 to 2015. He was part of the staff on the Georgia team that defeated TCU in the National Championship.[9]
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
On February 23, 2024, McClendon was named wide receivers coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.[10]
Personal life
McClendon is married to the former Amber Arnold of Atlanta. They have one son, Bryan. McClendon is the son of former running backWillie McClendon, who also played at Georgia and with the Chicago Bears.[11]