Gardner-Webb football is once again betting on youth and upside.
The university has hired Kris McCullough, a fast-rising 30-year-old coach, as the next head football coach of the Runnin’ Bulldogs. McCullough arrives from University of Texas Permian Basin, where he quickly turned a young Division II program into a national contender.
McCullough replaces Cris Reisert, who stepped down after two seasons at Gardner-Webb to join the staff at Toledo as offensive coordinator.
A familiar profile for Gardner-Webb
This marks the third time since 2020 that Gardner-Webb has hired a head coach in his 30s. Tre Lamb had just turned 30 when he took over the program at the end of the 2019 season and went on to win Big South and Big South/OVC championships. Reisert was also in his 30s when he arrived in Boiling Springs. Reisert posted an 11-13 record in two seasons as head coach, including 7-5 this past fall.
McCullough now becomes the latest young coach entrusted with leading a program that has competed at the FCS level since 2000 and has a football history dating back to 1970.
Rapid rise through the coaching ranks
Despite his age, McCullough already owns one of the most impressive résumés among young coaches in college football.
He compiled a 28-10 record over the past three seasons at UT Permian Basin, including an 11-3 mark in 2025 and a 7-2 record in Lone Star Conference play. This past fall, the Falcons reached the Division II quarterfinals for the first time in program history, winning two playoff games before falling to Harding, the eventual DII runner-up.
UTPB finished the 2025 season ranked No. 5 in the AFCA poll and No. 3 in the D2Football.com final poll, and went 4-2 against Top 15 opponents.
Overall, McCullough’s head coaching record stands at 37-12, making him one of only four college football head coaches to win at least 30 games before the age of 30, per Gardner-Webb sports information.
Before taking over at UTPB, McCullough was promoted to interim head coach at East Central University in March 2022 and led the Tigers to nine wins that season — a jump that directly led to his hiring in Odessa. His assistant coaching stops include Fairmont State, Old Dominion and Henderson State, where he is also an alumnus.
McCullough was previously named to the AFCA’s 35 Under 35, a designation reserved for the nation’s top rising coaching talent.
Building an explosive, complete program
The on-field results at UT Permian Basin were backed by elite production on both sides of the ball.
In 2025, the Falcons averaged 37.1 points per game while allowing just 19.1, piling up 461.9 yards per game behind a high-powered passing attack (330.1 yards per game). Quarterback Kanon Gibson threw for 3,990 yards and 31 touchdowns, while linebacker Tristan Exline anchored the defense with 143 tackles and 19.5 tackles for loss.
The success was not a one-year spike.
- 2024: 34.8 points per game, 18.8 allowed, with a more balanced offense and a 1,000-yard rusher in Kory Harris.
- 2023: 42.4 points per game, 17.25 allowed, with nearly 476 total yards per game during a perfect 8-0 Lone Star Conference championship season and the program’s first NCAA playoff appearance.
Athletic director endorsement
Gardner-Webb athletic director Brendan Fahey emphasized both results and long-term vision in announcing the hire.
“We are thrilled to welcome Kris McCullough as the next head coach of Gardner-Webb Football,” Fahey said. “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.”
A program continuing to look forward
Gardner-Webb has now had three head coaches since 2019, but the common thread remains clear: the Bulldogs continue to invest in young, upwardly mobile coaches with proven results and national upside.
With McCullough, Gardner-Webb is getting more than a promising résumé — it is getting a coach who has already built winners, done it quickly, and is just beginning his climb.
Recent Gardner-Webb football coaches
- Cris Reisert (2024-25): 11-13 record, 8-8 conference
- Tre Lamb (2020-23): 20-20 record, 12-8 conference, Big South championship 2022, Big South/OVC championship 2023
- Carroll McCray (2013-19): 27-53 record, 10-27 conference
- Ron Dickerson (2011-12): 7-15 record , 4-8 conference
- Steve Patton (1997-2010): 87-66 overall, 34-28 conference
