SAN MARCOS, Texas – Texas State head football coach GJ Kinne has announced the hiring of Kiel McDonald to the Bobcat coaching staff.

McDonald arrives in San Marcos after building a reputation as one of college football's premier running backs coaches and recruiters before spending the past two seasons as the running backs coach for the NFL's Los Angeles Chargers. 

McDonald joined the Chargers in 2024 under head coach Jim Harbaugh after two seasons at USC, where he coached All-Pac-12 running backs Travis Dye and MarShawn Lloyd. Lloyd rushed for 820 yards and nine touchdowns in 2023, earning first-team All-Pac-12 honors before being selected in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Prior to USC, McDonald spent five seasons at Utah (2017-21), helping establish one of the Pac-12's most consistent rushing attacks. During his tenure with the Utes, Utah led the conference in rushing in 2019 while Zack Moss became the program's all-time leading rusher and a three-time 1,000-yard back. McDonald helped Utah capture Pac-12 South Division titles in 2018, 2019 and 2021 and secure bowl appearances following the 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2022 seasons.

McDonald first gained national recognition during a five-year stint at Eastern Washington (2012-16), where he coached the running backs while serving as co-special teams coordinator. Under his guidance, the Eagles consistently ranked among the top offensive programs in the FCS, producing All-Big Sky performers and multiple playoff appearances, including three FCS semifinal berths in four appearances.

His coaching career began with stops at San Jose City College and Arizona State, where he served as a graduate assistant on the offensive staff. He also completed an internship with the San Francisco 49ers.

As a player, McDonald was a defensive back at Sacramento City College before continuing his collegiate career at Arizona, Sacramento State and Idaho. He graduated from Sacramento State with honors, earning a bachelor's degree in business communication.