Kelley Lee returned to Eastern New Mexico University (ENMU) as the head coach of Greyhound football, as announced on January 9, 2023. A native of Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, Lee is in his second tenure as head coach, having previously led the program from 2017 to 2020.
During his first stint as head coach, Lee compiled a record of 21-12 (.636) and guided the Greyhounds to their first-ever Division II bowl victory by defeating Southern Arkansas in the 2019 Heritage Bowl. Before his promotion to head coach, Lee served as ENMU’s offensive coordinator for five seasons, where he built one of the most dominant run games and efficient passing attacks in both the Lone Star Conference (LSC) and NCAA Division II.
From 2017 to 2020, Lee coached 50 All-LSC honorees and three All-Americans. In 2019, the Greyhounds set a school record for rushing yards in a single season with 4,191 yards and matched the second-highest win total in program history with an 8-4 record. That year, they also broke the LSC record for rushing attempts in a season with 770, surpassing the previous mark of 731 set by the Greyhounds in 2016. Eighteen Greyhounds earned all-conference honors in 2019, a testament to Lee’s strong leadership in one of Division II football’s toughest conferences. The 2019 team also achieved a 20-17 victory over No. 21 Angelo State, marking their second win against a nationally-ranked opponent under Lee.
Lee’s teams have been known for their outstanding performance in close games, posting an 11-0 record in games decided by seven points or less and an 18-0 record when leading entering the fourth quarter. Additionally, they maintained a 15-1 record when leading at halftime during Lee’s tenure.
In 2018, Lee’s squad faced five opponents that were ranked or receiving votes in national polls, finishing the season with a 5-6 record. Highlights included a narrow loss to defending national champions Texas A&M-Commerce and a shutout victory over arch-rival West Texas A&M, the first since 1992.
Lee’s first year as head coach in 2017 saw the Greyhounds achieve an 8-2 overall record and a 6-2 mark in LSC play. The team led Division II in rushing offense (352.7 yards per game), time of possession (36:40), and the fewest passes intercepted by opponents (2). Defensively, they led the LSC in rushing defense, allowing just 80.8 yards per game, which ranked sixth nationally.
Before becoming head coach, Lee joined the ENMU football staff in 2012 after a successful tenure at Valencia High School, where he served as the athletic coordinator and head football coach. He transformed a struggling program into a contender, posting a 26-9 record and reaching the state playoffs all three years. In 2011, he was named Metro Coach of the Year.
Lee’s extensive coaching experience includes roles as the offensive coordinator/assistant head coach at Midland College in 2008, where his offense ranked first in the NAIA in red zone efficiency, and as the offensive coordinator/recruiting coordinator at New Mexico Military Institute (NMMI) in 2006 and 2007. At NMMI, his offense finished second nationally in rushing both years and fourth in total offense in 2006.
Lee began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at ENMU, coaching running backs and quarterbacks in 2002 and 2003. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Western New Mexico University in 2000, where he played quarterback.
Kelley is married to Melissa Lee, a former track and field athlete and coach at ENMU. They have two children, Kingston and Croix.