A new era is underway at Gardner-Webb, and head football coach Kris McCullough isn’t starting from scratch.
He’s bringing a winning formula with him.
McCullough, hired in December after a standout run at UT Permian Basin, has assembled a coaching staff built around continuity, familiarity and proven production – with multiple key assistants making the move to Boiling Springs alongside him.
That group helped turn UT Permian Basin into a national contender at the Division II level, including an 11-win season and NCAA Division II quarterfinal appearance in 2025.
Now, that same foundation is in place at Gardner-Webb.
🔥 UT Permian Basin Pipeline Comes to Boiling Springs
A major theme of Gardner-Webb’s new staff is continuity, particularly from McCullough’s recent success at UT Permian Basin.
Four assistants followed him to Gardner-Webb, including:
- Kenneth Hrncir (Offensive Coordinator/QBs) – architect of one of the top passing attacks in D2 football
- Jacob Shaw (Defensive Coordinator/LBs) – leader of an elite, top-ranked defense
- Devin Gaulden (Defensive Pass Game Coordinator/Corners) – former co-defensive coordinator and secondary coach
- Ryver Rodriguez (Running Backs) – part of a highly productive offensive system
👉 Why this matters:
Instead of installing a system from scratch, Gardner-Webb is importing one that already produced results at a high level, and on both sides of the ball.
This isn’t a rebuild – it’s a transplant.
With key pieces already familiar with the system, terminology and expectations, Gardner-Webb could move faster than most programs under a new coaching staff. Continuity gives the Runnin’ Bulldogs a chance to hit the ground runnin’ in 2026.
🔴 Offensive Coordinators: Kenneth Hrncir & Brayle Brown
Gardner-Webb’s offense will be led by a coordinator duo with elite production at multiple stops.
Kenneth Hrncir (OC/QBs) arrives after helping orchestrate one of the nation’s most explosive offenses at UT Permian Basin. The Falcons went 11-3 in 2025, leading the nation in passing yards (4,622) while averaging 37.1 points per game. A former record-setting quarterback himself, Hrncir brings both scheme and player development to the position.
Alongside him, Brayle Brown (Co-OC/Tight Ends) brings a track record of consistent top-10 offenses across the Division II level. Most recently at Northern State (South Dakota) and CSU Pueblo, Brown’s units ranked among the nation’s best in total offense, scoring and efficiency, including a 40.2 points-per-game attack in 2024.
👉 What it means:
Expect Gardner-Webb to lean into an aggressive, high-tempo offensive identity with strong quarterback play – a clear carryover from McCullough’s previous stops.
🔵 Defensive Coordinator: Jacob Shaw
On the defensive side, McCullough turned to another familiar face.
Jacob Shaw (DC/LBs) joins from UT Permian Basin, where his defenses ranked among the nation’s elite. In 2025, the Falcons led the Lone Star Conference in total and scoring defense and finished second nationally in pass defense.
Shaw has coordinated championship-level units before, including a Heritage Bowl title run at East Central, and has built a reputation for developing all-conference and All-American defenders.
👉 What it means:
Shaw’s defenses are known for discipline and turnovers, traits that could quickly shape Gardner-Webb’s identity on that side of the ball.
🧠 Key Position Coaches & Staff
Beyond the coordinators, Gardner-Webb’s staff features a mix of experienced coaches and key developmental roles. McCullough and the Bulldogs have announced the following staff for 2026:
- Kendrick Davis – Run Game Coordinator / Offensive Line
- Ryver Rodriguez – Running Backs
- A.C. Whaley – Slot WR / Director of High School Recruiting
- Pete Bennett – Special Teams Coordinator / Wide Receivers
- MyQuon Stout – Defensive Run Game Coordinator / Defensive Line
- Devin Gaulden – Defensive Pass Game Coordinator / Corners
- Andre Pope – Safeties / Director of Player Personnel
- Hayden Kelly – Linebackers
Bennett and Stout were retained from the former staff. Last season, Bennett directed a special teams unit that featured all-conference performers Brady Braun (punter), Charlie Viorel (kicker) and Anthony Lowe (returns). Stout was a D-line coach under former head coach Cris Reisert, who left in December to be offensive coordinator at Toledo in his home state.
Gardner-Webb hosting spring game April 11
Gardner-Webb began spring drills in early March and will hold its spring game and junior day on Saturday, April 11 at Spangler Stadium.
The Runnin’ Bulldogs will start the 2026 regular season on Thursday, Aug. 27 at Austin Peay. GWU will play its first three games on the road, including a Sept. 12 date at Liberty. The home opener will be Sept. 19 against North Carolina Central.
Spring Ball is right around the corner!
We will host our Junior Day the day of our Spring Game on April 11th.
We welcome all 2027s to come and check us out!
Register using the QR code in the graphic. #FAMILLY #SkoDawgs pic.twitter.com/fc8m5Csd7d — Gardner-Webb Football (@GWUFootball) February 22, 2026
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