Career
He served as the head football coach at Arkansas State University from 1963 to 1970 and at Tulane University from 1971 to 1975, compiling a career college football record of 79–49–4. His 1970 team finished 11–0 and was ranked #1 in the final polls, earning his team the College Division championship. After the 1970 season, Ellender left Arizona State University to become head football coach at his alma mater, Tulane.