Mark Rau, a native Abilenian, joined the McMurry football staff in 2022 as receivers coach and was promoted to pass game coordinator in 2024. Under his guidance, the Warhawks' passing offense achieved significant milestones, including leading the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC) in passing efficiency, passing offense (277 yards per game), and total offense in 2024.
In 2025, McMurry ranked #1 in the SCAC for scoring offense and passing offense (321.4 yards per game), finishing #7 nationally in passing offense after reaching #1 mid-season—accomplishing the team's goal to be "the best in the country to throw and catch," an expectation they relentlessly pursue each season.
Rau coached standout receiver Kris Martin, who led the American Southwest Conference (ASC) in 2023 with 65 receptions and 1,019 yards, and the SCAC in 2024 with 64 receptions and 1,042 yards. Martin concluded his career as McMurry's all-time leading receiver, with 203 receptions, 3,069 yards, and 18 career 100-yard games. In 2025, first-team All-Conference receiver Thomas Chandler recorded 60 receptions and 979 yards.
He previously served as a special teams and defensive secondary coach at Oceanside High School.
A well-decorated veteran of the US Marine Corps, Rau retired with the USMC Combat Action Ribbon, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and Service Medal, a pair of Marine Corps Good Conduct Medals, a Presidential Unit Citation from the Navy, three Iraq Campaign Medals, two Certificates of Commendation, three Sea Service Deployment honors, the National Defense Service Medal, a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement with Combat V, a Navy Unit Commendation, and Meritorious Mast.
Rau graduated from McMurry with a bachelor’s degree in sports industry and received the Don Allen Memorial Award for Student Excellence. He earned a Master of Science in Sport Management from Texas Tech University in 2025.
He received a scholarship to Navarro Junior College and later played for the School of Infantry Marshals – USMC West from 2008-10.
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