By: Chris Harlan


Monday, February 3, 2025 | 9:22 PM

Former NFL offensive lineman Don Barclay, who was an all-conference athlete at Seneca Valley, is returning to his high school alma mater as football coach.

The school announced his hire Monday.

A 2007 graduate of Seneca Valley, Barclay was a three-year starter for West Virginia’s football team and played five seasons in the NFL. Barclay, 35, served last season as an assistant coach at Pine-Richland.

At Seneca Valley, he replaces his former coach, Ron Butschle, who resigned in November.

“Seneca Valley has always been home for me,” Barclay said in a statement. “Growing up here gave me opportunities, from the school system itself to the facilities. I’m excited to pass on my knowledge and give back to the place that shaped me.”

Barclay and his wife, Brea, already reside in the school district with their children Cooper, Brynn and Bella. The three are elementary school students at Seneca Valley.

“I’m a fan of the public school system,” Barclay said, “and I want my kids to experience the same opportunities I had growing up.”

The school board voted Monday to hire him.

At West Virginia, Barclay was a four-year letterwinner and three-time Big East academic all-star. He entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Packers and spent five years in Green Bay. He played 32 games over four seasons, missing one season to injury, and made 24 starts.

The 2015 musical comedy film “Pitch Perfect 2” included Barclay in a scene along with some of his Packers teammates.

“I had a small part as a beatboxer,” he said. “It was only 20 seconds, but it’s a fun memory.”

Barclay played four games with the Lions in 2017. He later had brief stints with the New Orleans Saints and Denver Broncos.

“I think he’ll be a tremendous role model for our kids,” Seneca Valley athletic director Heather Lewis said. “Don embodies the investment and commitment necessary to be the best version of yourself, whether it’s on the football field or in the classroom.”

Barclay takes over a Seneca Valley program that qualified for the WPIAL Class 6A playoffs last fall after finishing 3-7 for the second year in a row. Under Butschle, the team went 39-42 combined over the past eight seasons and reached the playoffs five times.

“Every year, you want to get better,” Barclay said. “Whether it’s improving participation or helping players take the next step in college, it’s about setting a foundation for long-term success.”

Chris Harlan is a TribLive reporter covering sports. He joined the Trib in 2009 after seven years as a reporter at the Beaver County Times. He can be reached at charlan@triblive.com.

Tags: Seneca Valley