Wayne State head football coach Logan Masters has announced that Scott McLaughlin has resigned as defensive coordinator of the Wildcat program to pursue another coaching opportunity.
            "Sad to have Coach McLaughlin and his family leave Wayne," remarked Masters.  "Coach McLaughlin has been a big part of Wildcat football for the last 19 years and has had a major impact on the young men in our program.  I appreciate his loyalty and dedication to making Wayne State football what it is today.  We wish him and his family nothing but the best!"
            McLaughlin just completed his 19^th season on the Wildcat sidelines as an assistant coach including the last 11 as defensive coordinator.  He came to WSC as an assistant defensive line coach in 2007 and moved his way up to special teams coordinator and linebackers coach before being promoted to defensive coordinator following the 2014 season.
            This past season, McLaughlin coached a Wildcat defense that led the Northern Sun Conference in most statistical categories, including scoring defense (17.7), total defense (280.6), rushing defense (81.4), interceptions (17), opponents first downs (15.7/game), opponent third down conversions (30.1%), tied for first in forced fumbles (10) and second in sacks with 33.
            NCAA national statistic rankings included third in rushing defense, tied for eighth in interceptions and 10^th in opponent third down conversions and opponent first downs.
            The 2024 Wildcat defense under McLaughlin became the first WSC team to post two shutouts in a season since 2006.  His 2017 defense tied for the most interceptions in NCAA Division II regular season play (24) and the 32 turnovers created that season ranked third in NCAA Division II. 
            McLaughlin was a part of two NSIC South Division titles (2008, 2025) and one NSIC overall title (2022) while helping the Wildcats reach the NCAA Division II playoffs twice (2008, 2022) and the Mineral Water Bowl in 2007.  During his time at Wayne State McLaughlin coached six All-Americans and 18 All-Region players on the defensive side of the ball.
            Wayne State ended the 2025 season at 7-4 overall, winners of their last four games that included wins over #9 Minnesota State and #13 Augustana.  The Wildcats finished as NSIC South Division champions with a 5-1 division mark.