Comb Citadel
From All-State defensive back to VMI head coach, a career built on discipline and defense.
Cal McCombs (born August 4, 1945) is an American former college football player and coach. He was the 29th head football coach for the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) in Lexington, Virginia, serving for seven seasons, from 1999 to 2005, compiling a record of 19–60. He lives in Isle of Palms, South Carolina with his wife Lynne. A native of Belton, South Carolina, McCombs is a 1967 graduate of The Citadel, where he earned five varsity letters in football and track. As a defensive back in football, he was an All-Southern Conference and All-State selection. McCombs was inducted into The Citadel Athletic Hall of Fame in 1988.
Quick Facts
- Type
- College Football Coach & Player
- Primary inhabitants
- Cal McCombs
- Affiliation
- The Citadel
- VMI
- Air Force Academy
- Denver Broncos
- Location
- Isle of Palms, South Carolina
Lore & Background
McCombs' coaching journey began at his alma mater, The Citadel, where he served as secondary coach from 1971 to 1983 under head coaches Red Parker, Bobby Ross, and Art Baker. During that time, he also coached track for two years. He then moved to the United States Air Force Academy, serving as secondary coach and defensive coordinator. In 1998, he was named head football coach at VMI, taking over a program that would go 19–60 over seven seasons. After leaving college coaching, he spent five years as a scout with the Denver Broncos. In 2015, he served as a coach in the Medal of Honor Bowl, played at The Citadel's Johnson Hagood Stadium.
Reader's Guide
For fans tracking McCombs' career, his time at The Citadel as a player and coach is the central thread. As a player, he earned five varsity letters in football and track, and was inducted into The Citadel Athletic Hall of Fame in 1988. As a coach, he spent 12 years as secondary coach under three head coaches. His move to the Air Force Academy as defensive coordinator was a key step before becoming VMI's head coach. His post-college work as a scout for the Denver Broncos shows his continued involvement in football. The 2015 Medal of Honor Bowl at Johnson Hagood Stadium is a notable later appearance.
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