[citation needed] Cluess was the head coach of Saint Mary's High School in Manhasset, New York for 14 seasons (1991–2005).

[citation needed] Cluess's Gaels won four Class A New York State Catholic High School Athletic Association (NYSCHSAA) championships[citation needed] and two New York State Federation of Secondary Schools Athletic Associations (NYSFSSA) championships.

[4] After one year at the junior college level, Cluess became the head coach for the Long Island University C.W.

In four seasons at LIU-Post, Cluess led the team to two NCAA Division II men's basketball tournaments in 2008 and 2009.

[5] In April 2010 Cluess replaced Kevin Willard as the head men's basketball coach at Iona College.