🔄 Last Updated: September 2, 2026 7:01 pm
UPDATE | WEDNESDAY PM: Gardner-Webb has made it official, announcing it terminated the contract of coach Kris McCullough. Read GWU’s full statement and where the Runnin’ Bulldogs go next.
Gardner-Webb is dismissing first-year head football coach Kris McCullough, according to a report Wednesday afternoon.
ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported that Gardner-Webb is parting ways with McCullough, who was suspended earlier this week pending the outcome of an ongoing investigation.
Gardner-Webb has not publicly announced McCullough’s dismissal as of Wednesday afternoon.
The reported move comes two days after the university confirmed McCullough’s suspension and named special teams coordinator and tight ends coach Pete Bennett interim head coach.
“Gardner-Webb University has suspended Head Football Coach Kris McCullough pending the outcome of an ongoing investigation,” the university said in a statement Monday. “Pete Bennett will serve as interim head coach. The University has no additional comment at this time.”
FootballScoop first reported Sunday that Gardner-Webb was evaluating its options after what the outlet described as off-field allegations involving McCullough. Later Sunday, FootballScoop reported that McCullough had been suspended and Bennett was expected to take over on an interim basis.
Gardner-Webb confirmed the suspension the following day but did not disclose the nature of the investigation.
McCullough coached one game at Gardner-Webb. The Runnin’ Bulldogs opened the season Thursday with a 35-17 loss at Austin Peay.
Gardner-Webb hired McCullough in December after three seasons as head coach at Division II UT Permian Basin. He went 28-10 with the Falcons, leading the program to two NCAA Division II playoff appearances and the 2023 Lone Star Conference championship.
Before UTPB, McCullough went 9-3 in one season as head coach at East Central.
Gardner-Webb is scheduled to play at Wofford on Saturday.
