Gardner-Webb university Names kris McCullough as New Football Head Coach

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. – Gardner-Webb University Vice President adn Director of Athletics Brendan Fahey has announced the hiring of kris McCullough as the new head coach of the Gardner-Webb football program.

McCullough arrives at Gardner-Webb after most recently serving as the head coach at the University of Texas-Permian Basin, a position he held from December 2022, when he was hired as one of the youngest head coaches in college football. Prior to his time in odessa, McCullough also spent one triumphant season as the head coach of East Central University, leading the Tigers to a nine-win season. He also served as the running backs coach and special teams coordinator at Fairmont State, had a short spell as the offensive quality control and assistant quarterback coach at Old Dominion university, and spent two seasons as an undergraduate assistant coach at Henderson State University. In total, mccullough has a decade of experience at various levels and positions as a college football coach.

“We are thrilled to welcome Kris McCullough as the next head coach of Gardner-webb Football,” said Fahey. “Kris’ proven track record speaks for itself – with 37 victories over four excellent seasons, two playoff appearances, and a program that has consistently competed at the highest level. He has built a culture of excellence both on and off the field,developing young men 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. We are excited to welcome Kris and his entire family into the gardner-Webb family and couldn’t be more excited about the future of runnin’ Bulldogs football with him at the helm.”

While leading the University of Texas-Permian Basin program, McCullough guided the Falcons to a pair of NCAA Division II playoff appearances in 2023 and 2025, and the Heritage Bowl in 2024. He led the program to a 10-2 record and the first Lone Star Conference title in school history in his debut season in 2023, earning a national ranking as high as No. 18. His final season at Texas-Permian Basin was notably successful, guiding the Falcons to a program-record 11 wins, a first-ever appearance in the NCAA Division II quarterfinals, and a national ranking of No. 3 in the final AFCA poll – the first time the Falcons finished a season inside the top-five of a major poll. In addition, the falcons placed 27 players on All-Lone Star Conference teams and ranked near the top of NCAA Division II in various categories in 2025, including first in total passing yards, third in passing offense, fourth in total yards and fifth in total touchdowns, and third in pass defense. Linebacker Tristan Exline was named a 2025 Harlon hill Trophy finalist under McCullough’s guidance, an award recognizing the nation’s best Division II player.