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McDonell previously spent three seasons (2002-04) at as the offensive line coach for centers and guards. During his stint at Notre Dame, he helped the Irish to two bowl games (2002 Gator, 2004 Insight), had five of his players taken in the NFL Draft and coached an offensive line that was integral in Notre Dame having two 1,000 yard rushers. In 2002, Ryan Grant posted the 10th best single season rushing performance in Irish history with 1,085 yards. A year later, Julius Jones rushed for 1,268 yards, the eighth best single season at Notre Dame. McDonell coached center Jeff Faine while at Notre Dame. Faine, a 2002 First-Team All-America and Rimington Award runner-up, was a first round pick by the Cleveland Browns. In 2003, four of McDonell's linemen were selected in the NFL Draft.
In his first stop at Stanford in 2001, McDonell coached for a Cardinal team that went 9-3, was ranked in the Top 10, won nine regular season games for the second time in 50 years and played Georgia Tech in the Seattle Bowl. The Cardinal ranked 23rd nationally in rushing offense, averaging more than 200 yards per game and scoring 27 touchdowns. One of McDonell's pupils, guard Eric Heitmann, was named First Team All-America and First Team All-Pac-10. Both Heitmann and center Zack Quaccia were selected in the NFL Draft with Heitmann now a four-year veteran (2002-05) of the San Francisco 49ers.
Prior to coming to Stanford in 2001, McDonell spent 12 years coaching at Washington State under Mike Price (1989-2000). McDonell was the offensive coordinator and offensive line coach in Pullman for seven seasons (1994-00). He coached the offensive line and tight ends for the Cougars for five campaigns from 1989-93. While at WSU, McDonell was a member of three bowl teams, one Pac-10 championship team and some of the greatest offenses in school history. In 1997, with McDonell as the offensive coordinator, WSU captured the Pac-10 title and Rose Bowl berth with a record-breaking offense. The Cougars finished as the nation's ninth ranked team with a 10-2 record. McDonell's offense led the Pac-10 and was second nationally after averaging 502 yards in total offense per game. His offense also set conference records for most points scored and most yards gained in a season. In 1994, WSU finished the season with an 8-4 record, a win in the Alamo Bowl and a No. 24 final ranking. McDonell was part of the Washington State team that went to the Copper Bowl in 1992 and defeated Utah, 31-28. The Cougars led the Pac-10 in total offense, posted a 9-3 record and a No. 15 final ranking.
McDonell spent five seasons under Price at Weber State (1984-88) as the offensive line coach. At Weber State, McDonell coached one of the top offenses in NCAA Division 1AA. In 1987, Weber State finished 10th in the final regular season poll, won the Big Sky championship and reached the Division 1-AA semifinals. WSC led the nation in total offense in 1985.
McDonell began his coaching career at Carroll College, his alma mater, immediately after earning a Bachelor's degree in Social Science in 1981. As a player at Carroll College (1977-80), he was a four-year starter, a team captain and received NAIA All-America recognition following his senior season. He was also a three-time All-Frontier Conference tackle. McDonell was inducted into the Carroll College Athletic Hall of Fame in 1994.
A native of Spokane, Washington, McDonell attended Gonzaga Prep High School. Born June 2, 1959, McDonell and his wife, Mindy, have two children: Michael and Megan.
Last Updated: March 19, 2006