On April 11, 2011, Cerritos College hired Dan Clauss as its new Athletics Director. Since 2008, the college had rotated athletics directors in the fall and spring since the retirement of Jeff Smith, so the hiring of Clauss greatly helped solidify the athletic department program and staff. Clauss was a welcome addition, as he had previously served as defensive line coach with the Cerritos College football team for the 2003 and 2004 seasons.

Clauss began his football career at Santana High School in Santee, California. He then when on to play at Grossmont College, where he started at tight end for the Griffins from 1994-96. Clauss earned all-conference honors as a tight end his sophomore year and then transferred to Southeast Missouri State University, where he was converted to offensive tackle. He completed his Bachelor's Degree in Health Management at SEMO in 1999.

Continuing his education, Clauss entered the Master's Degree program in Two-Year College Physical Education at Western Carolina University. While at WCU, he worked as a graduate assistant football coach, coordinating video and coaching linebackers and defensive line. After graduating from WCU in 2003, Clauss began his professional teaching and football coaching career at Cerritos College.  After the conclusion of the 2004 Falcon football season, Clauss was hired by San Bernardino Valley College, where he was a full-time faculty member and assistant coach from 2005-08.

Clauss then had an opportunity to return to his alma mater, Grossmont College. He spent three years with the Griffins as a full-time faculty member and assistant football coach. During his time at Grossmont from 2008-2011, Clauss coached the linebackers, defensive backs, and tight ends and helped them to two post-season bowl games.

Clauss is entering his third year as Athletics Director at Cerritos College. He and his wife of 14 years, Lee, live in Fullerton and have a seven-year-old son, Elijah.