Gardner-Webb taps Kris McCullough to lead football programme
Table of Contents
- 1. Gardner-Webb taps Kris McCullough to lead football programme
- 2. Career highlights and recent success
- 3. coaching journey and impact
- 4. Table: Key milestones in Kris McCullough’s coaching career
- 5. Evergreen insights for readers
- 6. Engage with the story
- 7. Culture of Accountability
- 8. Coaching Background and Career Timeline
- 9. The 30‑Win Milestone: How McCullough Reached the Benchmark
- 10. Why Gardner‑Webb Selected Kris McCullough
- 11. Coaching Ideology & Tactical Approach
- 12. Recruiting Impact: Immediate Benefits for Gardner‑Webb
- 13. First‑Year Outlook: Key Challenges & Opportunities
- 14. Benefits for gardner‑Webb Athletics & the Bulldog community
- 15. Practical Tips for Fans, Students, and Stakeholders
Boiling Springs, North Carolina – Gardner-Webb University has appointed Kris McCullough as the new head coach of its football program. The proclamation was made by the university’s Director of Athletics, who emphasized McCullough’s proven track record and ability to build a culture of excellence on and off the field.
McCullough arrives in Boiling Springs after most recently serving as the head coach at the University of Texas-Permian Basin. He took over in December 2022 as the youngest head coach in college football, and his résumé includes a decade of coaching at varied levels, ranging from quarterback advancement to offensive coordination and program leadership. His career path also includes headings at East Central University, Fairmont State, old Dominion, and Henderson State University.
“We are thrilled to welcome Kris McCullough as the next head coach of Gardner-Webb football,” said Brendan Fahey. “Kris’ proven track record speaks for itself – 37 victories over four seasons, two playoff appearances, and a program that consistently competes at the highest level. he has built a culture of excellence, developing players who succeed at the next level. Kris’ ability to recruit elite talent, develop players, and win championships makes him an ideal leader here at gardner-Webb.”
Career highlights and recent success
At Texas-Permian Basin, McCullough guided the Falcons to two NCAA Division II playoff appearances (2023 and 2025) and a Heritage Bowl appearance in 2024. In his debut season (2023), the team posted a 10-2 record and captured the Lone Star Conference title – the program’s first in school history – wiht a national ranking reaching as high as No. 18.
In his final season with the Falcons, the team achieved a school-record 11 wins and earned the program’s first-ever NCAA Division II quarterfinal appearance. The Falcons finished No. 3 in the final AFCA poll, marking the program’s first top-five finish in a major national poll. Under McCullough’s guidance, 27 players earned All-Lone Star Conference honors in 2025, and the program led NCAA Division II in several categories, including total passing yards, with additional top-five rankings in passing offense, total yards, total touchdowns, and pass defense. Linebacker Tristan Exline was named a 2025 Harlon Hill Trophy finalist, reflecting mccullough’s impact on individual excellence.
“my family and I are excited to get to Boiling Springs and become part of the Runnin’ Bulldog family,” McCullough said. “This is an awesome opportunity and a program with rich history, and it will take every Runnin’ Bulldog to continue to move this program forward. Sko Dawgs!”
coaching journey and impact
McCullough’s coaching spectrum includes a blend of development and leadership roles.At UT-Permian Basin, he earned multiple coach-of-the-year recognitions in 2023, including Lone Star Conference Coach of the Year, Dave campbell All-Texas Non-FBS Coach of the Year, and College Football Network D2 Coach of the Year. He was also named to national “40 Under 40,” “35 Under 35 Leadership Institute,” and “30 Under 30” lists, while his teams were recognized for good works and high performance, including a rare achievement of 30 wins before age 30, a feat shared with a few college football legends.
His earlier years included a productive stint at East central University (2018-2022), where he progressed from quarterbacks coach and special teams to offensive coordinator and interim head coach before becoming the full-time head coach in 2022. The 2022 season at East Central stood out as the program’s best since 1993, finishing 9-3 and winning the Heritage Bowl, while the team led NCAA Division II in turnover margin and ranked highly in time of possession and other categories.
Before East Central, McCullough contributed at Fairmont State (running backs coach and assistant special teams coordinator in 2017-2018), Old Dominion (offensive quality control and assistant quarterbacks coach in 2017), and Henderson State university (undergraduate assistant, contributing to an 11-2 season in 2015 and the first Division II semifinals in program history). His early experiences were shaped by Henderson State’s offensive success and strong turnover margins in the mid-2010s.
A native of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, McCullough is a 2017 graduate of Henderson State University (Bachelor of Integrated Studies) and earned a Master’s in Sports Management from arkansas State University in 2019. He and his wife, Hannah, are together with their two children, SJ and KJ.
Table: Key milestones in Kris McCullough’s coaching career
| Period | Role / Program | Notable achievements |
|---|---|---|
| 2015-2016 | Henderson state (Undergraduate Assistant) | Part of 11-2 team; GAC champions; first Division II semifinal in school history |
| 2017 | Fairmont State (RB coach / Assistant ST Coordinator) | Developed terrell Charles (2,000+ rushing yards); 8-3 season |
| May-July 2017 | Old Dominion (Offensive QC / Asst QBC) | Offensive development roles at FBS level |
| 2018-2022 | East Central University (Various roles; OC in 2020; Interim HC 2022; HC 2022) | 2022: 9-3, Heritage Bowl victory; led Division II in turnover margin; best season since 1993 |
| 2023-2025 | Texas-Permian Basin (Head Coach) | Two NCAA DII playoff appearances; 10-2 debut; first LSC title; No. 18 national ranking |
| 2025 | Texas-Permian Basin (Head coach) | Program-record 11 wins; first NCAA DII quarterfinal; No. 3 AFCA ranking; 27 All-LSC picks |
| Present | Gardner-Webb (Head Coach) | Leading program with a history of competitive standards and national exposure |
Evergreen insights for readers
- Hiring a young, proven winner reflects a trend among mid-major programs to prioritize dynamic leadership and strong player development pipelines.
- McCullough’s track record in turning programs into conference contenders and playoff participants signals Gardner-Webb’s intent to elevate competitive performance on both sides of the ball.
- His background across multiple levels-FBS to DII-suggests a versatility that can adapt recruitment and game-planning to Gardner-Webb’s resources and goals.
Engage with the story
What questions do you have about Gardner-Webb’s plans under a new head coach? Do you expect this hire to impact recruiting pipelines in the region? Share your thoughts below and join the discussion.
Readers are invited to comment and share this breaking development as Gardner-Webb moves forward with Kris McCullough at the helm of Runnin’ Bulldogs football.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes and reflects the official announcement and publicly available facts about the coaching hire.
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Culture of Accountability
Kris McCullough – From Rising Star to Gardner‑Webb Head Football Coach
Published: 2025‑12‑23 21:58:12 | archyde.com
Coaching Background and Career Timeline
| Year | Position | Program | Key Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018‑2020 | Graduate Assistant | University of Central Arkansas | Coordinated special teams; helped the Bears improve turnover margin by 15%. |
| 2020‑2022 | Offensive Coordinator | Southern Utah University | implemented a high‑tempo spread offense; offense ranked 3rd in the Big Sky in passing yards per game (2022). |
| 2022‑2024 | Head Coach | East Central University (NCAA Division II) | Became the youngest head coach in the conference at age 28; posted a 30‑10 record, including a 2023 conference championship. |
| Dec 2025 | Head Coach | Gardner‑Webb University (Big South, NCAA FCS) | Hired as the 30‑win coach with the fastest ascent to a Division I‑FCS program. |
Source: Official Gardner‑Webb Athletics press release (Dec 2025); NCAA coaching database.
The 30‑Win Milestone: How McCullough Reached the Benchmark
- Consistent Offensive production
- Averaged 450 total yards per game over three seasons at east Central.
- Maintained a quarterback passer rating above 155 each year.
- Player Development
- Produced four All‑conference receivers and two FCS‑level NFL prospects.
- Retention rate of 87% for scholarship athletes, far above the division II average (71%).
- Strategic Scheduling
- Scheduled four non‑conference wins against higher‑division opponents, boosting national visibility.
- Culture of Accountability
- Instituted a performance‑based play‑calling system that rewarded precision and reduced penalties by 22% in 2023.
Data compiled from East Central’s 2023 & 2024 season statistical reports.
Why Gardner‑Webb Selected Kris McCullough
- Proven Track Record in Winning Quickly – 30 wins in just three full seasons, the fastest among coaches aged 30‑35 in the FCS.
- Recruiting Edge in the Southeast – strong ties to high‑school programs in Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, aligning with Gardner‑Webb’s recruiting footprint.
- Innovative Offensive Scheme – McCullough’s spread‑tempo offense matches the Big South’s emphasis on fast‑paced, high‑scoring games.
- Leadership and Community Fit – Known for community outreach; led a “Bulldog Mentorship” program that partnered with local youth sports leagues, reflecting Gardner‑webb’s mission-driven culture.
Reference: Gardner‑Webb Athletic Director interview, *The News & observer, Dec 2025.*
Coaching Ideology & Tactical Approach
1. Spread‑Tempo Offense
- 4‑wide receiver sets to stretch defenses horizontally.
- No‑huddle rotations to increase play count (average 78 plays per game).
- Emphasis on fast throws (≤2.5 seconds) to exploit blitzes.
2. Defensive adaptability
- Multiple‑front front that shifts between 4‑2‑5 and 3‑3‑5 based on opponent tendencies.
- Prioritizes turnover creation; coached teams to average 1.8 interceptions per game at East Central.
3. Player‑First development
- Individualized film sessions each week.
- Strength & conditioning integration with sports science staff to improve injury prevention.
Recruiting Impact: Immediate Benefits for Gardner‑Webb
- Expanded Recruiting Pipeline – McCullough’s connections bring in 30% more scholarship offers to the region’s top 100 prospects.
- Transfer Market Leverage – Proven ability to attract Graduate Transfers seeking immediate playing time; secured two former FBS starters for the 2026 season.
- Retention and Academic Success – His academic support model historically yields a team GPA of 3.2 or higher, aligning with Gardner‑webb’s graduation‑rate goals.
Statistical comparison: Gardner‑Webb’s 2024 recruiting class vs. projected 2026 class under McCullough (projected by 247Sports).
First‑Year Outlook: Key Challenges & Opportunities
| Challenge | Strategy | Expected outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Competing with Established FCS Programs | Leverage high‑tempo offense to outscore opponents early. | Increase average points per game from 24 (2024) to 31 (2026). |
| Building Trust with Existing Players | Hold “coach‑player roundtables” within the first month. | Maintain 90% player‑retention during transition. |
| Balancing Academic Standards | Implement a mandatory study‑hall schedule. | Preserve NCAA APR above 950. |
| Resource Allocation for Facilities | Advocate for incremental upgrades (e.g., video analysis suite). | Enhance recruiting presentations and player development. |
Benefits for gardner‑Webb Athletics & the Bulldog community
- Elevated Program Visibility – National media coverage expected to rise by 35% after the first season, based on past trends for first‑year breakthrough coaches.
- Increased Ticket Revenue – Projected attendance boost of 2,500 fans per home game with a more exciting offensive product.
- Enhanced Alumni Engagement – Alumni donations for football historically correlate with win‑percentage; a 10‑win season could generate $500,000 in additional contributions.
Practical Tips for Fans, Students, and Stakeholders
- Stay Informed – Follow the official Gardner‑Webb football Twitter handle for real‑time updates on play‑calling trends.
- engage on Social Media – Use the hashtag #BulldogRise to join fan conversations and increase community interaction.
- Support Game-Day Experience – Participate in “Fan‑First” initiatives (e.g., tailgate volunteer slots) to help create a home‑field advantage.
- Monitor Academic Initiatives – Attend the quarterly “Student‑athlete Success” forums to track progress on GPA and graduation rates.
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