Gardner-Webb head football coach Cris Reisert has stepped down, the university announced Monday.
“We thank Cris for his contributions and commitment to our program,” Vice President and Director of Athletics Brendan Fahey said in a statement released by the school. “We wish him and his family the best with their new opportunity.”
Gardner-Webb confirmed that a national search is underway for Reisert’s successor.
UPDATE 12/23/2025: Gardner-Webb announced the hiring of Kris McCullough as the school’s new football coach on Dec. 23, 2025. McCullough comes to Boiling Springs after a successful stint at University of Texas-Permian Basin. Click here to read the full release from Gardner-Webb University. NC Football News will have more coverage soon.
According to multiple reports, Reisert is expected to join former Mercer head coach Mike Jacobs’ staff at Toledo, where he will serve as the offensive coordinator.
Reisert led the Runnin’ Bulldogs through a period of transition into the OVC/Big South Football Association and helped stabilize the program after Tre Lamb left for the East Tennessee State job in 2023. Gardner-Webb posted a 7-5 record this past season after a 4-8 campaign in Reisert’s debut. The Runnin’ Bulldogs were 5-3 in OVC/Big South play, remaining in the title and playoff hunt until the final weeks.
Reisert and new Toledo head coach Mike Jacobs have strong roots in Ohio. Reisert was born in Cincinnati and played quarterback for Ohio Dominican from 2005-08. He got his coaching start at Ohio Dominican, eventually rising to offensive coordinator there. He posted a 40-11 record in five seasons at D2 Tiffin University (Tiffin, OH), with three playoff appearances, before taking the Gardner-Webb job.
Reisert’s departure creates an offseason opening at one of North Carolina’s FCS programs as teams continue to reshape their coaching staffs ahead of the 2026 season.
Gardner-Webb is the second North Carolina college team to undergo a coaching change this off-season. Winston-Salem State recently named Tory Woodbury to fill its opening created when Robert Massey resigned at season’s end.
