List of current NAIA football coaches

The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) includes 97 teams. Each team has one head coach.[1] As of the 2026 season, the NAIA is composed of nine conferences: the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC), Frontier Conference, Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC), Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC), Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC), Mid-South Conference (MSC), Mid-States Football Association (MSFA), Sooner Athletic Conference (SAC), and the Sun Conference (TSC), as well as one school that competes as an independent.

As of the start of the 2026 season, the longest-tenured coach in NAIA, is Dennis McCulloch of Valley City State University, who has been head coach at the school since 1997. In all, 19 NAIA programs will have new head coaches in 2026.

Conference affiliations are current for the 2026 season. One future NAIA team has hired its head coach; that team is indicated with a light blue background. Records are current as of 3/24/26.

Coaches

Team Conference Head coach First season W L W% W L W% Offensive coordinator(s) Defensive coordinator(s) Special teams coordinator(s)
Bluefield Rams AAC Dewey Lusk[2] 2017 44 51 .463 57 93 .380 Kelly Scott Mike Ketchum Phillip Dunford
Kentucky Christian Knights AAC Jason Aubry[3] 2023 7 25 .219 7 25 .219 Joby Sullivan Roland Brady Vacant
Pikeville Bears AAC Corey Fipps[4] 2021 27 25 .519 39 54 .419 Vacant Chris Elliott Michael Harris
Point Skyhawks AAC Nigel Lawrence 2025 4 6 .400 4 6 .400 Vacant Vacant Kelvin Kelley
Reinhardt Eagles AAC James Miller[5] 2017 78 23 .772 78 23 .772 Tyler Hennes Barry Gardner Vacant
Rio Grande RedStorm AAC Mike Bartrum 2026 0 0 – 0 0 – Naylan Yates Kole Carter Vacant
Union Commonwealth Bulldogs AAC Boston Bryant 2025 3 6 .333 3 6 .333 David Cunningham Jeremiah McKibben Ben Watson
Arizona Christian Firestorm Frontier Drew Maddox 2026 0 0 – 22 16 .580 Brett Nelson Josh Graham Vacant
Bismarck State Mystics Frontier Chris Stutzriem 2027 0 0 – 30 35 .462 Teague Blome Vacant Vacant
Carroll (MT) Fighting Saints Frontier Troy Purcell[6] 2019 46 22 .676 46 22 .676 Alex Pfannenstiel Joe Dunning Dylan Torgerson
College of Idaho Coyotes Frontier Mike Moroski[7] 2014 81 47 .633 81 47 .633 Brian Taylor Chris Jewell Austin Nelson
Dakota State Trojans Frontier Josh Anderson[8] 2009 72 102 .414 72 102 .414 Logan Levy Daidrick Kibbie Vacant
Dickinson State Blue Hawks Frontier Pete Stanton[9] 2014 98 36 .731 98 36 .731 Russell McCarvel Jason Thier Nate Masterson
Eastern Oregon Mountaineers Frontier Solo Taylor 2026 0 0 – 0 0 – Vacant Vacant Vacant
Mayville State Comets Frontier Rocky Larson[10] 2020 20 43 .317 20 43 .317 Jack Mullen / Scott Olsen Jake Litecky Nick Flesland
Montana State–Northern Lights Frontier Jerome Souers[11] 2022 3 38 .073 126 152 .453 Dave Sandau Dylan Wampler Dominic Marino Jr.
Montana Tech Orediggers Frontier Kyle Samson[12] 2020 40 16 .714 40 16 .714 Travis Dean Montell Allen Vacant
Montana Western Bulldogs Frontier Ryan Nourse[13] 2016 71 48 .597 71 48 .597 Vacant Riley Martello Kyle Wantland
Rocky Mountain Battlin' Bears Frontier Randy Bandelow 2026 0 0 – 0 0 – Nick Voorhees Michael Brunk Vacant
Simpson (CA) Red Hawks Frontier Trevor Utter 2026 0 0 – 0 0 – Vacant Jacob Zier Andrew Motuapauka
Southern Oregon Raiders Frontier Berk Brown[14] 2023 17 14 .548 17 14 .548 Tim Souza Tyler Stinn Josh Winfield
Valley City State Vikings Frontier Dennis McCulloch[15] 1997 171 119 .590 171 119 .590 Dustin Yorek Gregg Horner Vacant
Briar Cliff Chargers GPAC Nathan Koziol 2026 0 0 – 0 0 – Ryan Sayre Vacant Vacant
Concordia (NE) Bulldogs GPAC Patrick Daberkow[16] 2017 47 41 .534 47 41 .534 Vacant Corby Osten Trent Laune
Dakota Wesleyan Tigers GPAC Alex Kretzschmar[17] 2024 8 14 .364 8 14 .364 Vacant Chris Bessler Mason Frost
Doane Tigers GPAC Jonathan Johnson[18] 2024 5 16 .238 5 16 .238 Dallas Tidwell Jordan Potts Vacant
Dordt Defenders GPAC Joel Penner[19] 2016 73 33 .689 73 33 .689 Levi Jungling[20] Brandon McCormick Vacant
Hastings Broncos GPAC Matt Franzen[21] 2021 21 32 .396 86 81 .515 James Bauer Kyle Suttles Vacant
Midland Warriors GPAC Jeff Jamrog[22] 2016 63 42 .600 63 42 .600 Sean Lagerstrom Denny Honnold Mike Adams
Morningside Mustangs GPAC Steve Ryan[23] 2002 249 50 .833 249 50 .833 Chris Silva Casey Jacobsen / Nate Turner Tarence Roby
Mount Marty Lancers GPAC John Michaeletti[24] 2021 16 39 .291 16 39 .291 Josh Lewis / Heath Zuck Dylan Heck Vacant
Northwestern (IA) Red Raiders GPAC Matt McCarty[25] 2016 96 26 .787 96 26 .787 Blake Fryar Brett Moser Korbyn Gramstad
Waldorf Warriors GPAC David Calloway 2026 0 0 – 30 49 .381 Danny Donadio / Jermaine Gales Vacant Vacant
Baker Wildcats HAAC Miguel Regalado[26] 2023 24 9 .727 24 9 .727 Vacant Tucker Pauley Vacant
Benedictine (KS) Ravens HAAC Joel Osborn[27] 2021 49 14 .778 49 14 .778 Vacant Trevor Strong Andy Merfeld
Central Methodist Eagles HAAC Dave Brown[28] 2023 5 28 .152 5 28 .152 Vacant EJ Valentine Vacant
Clarke Pride HAAC Adam Hicks[29] 2023 6 27 .182 6 27 .182 Bill Lang Vacant Treston Womack
Culver–Stockton Wildcats HAAC Tom Sallay[30] 2017 34 58 .370 34 58 .370 RJ Melton James Bowman Vacant
Graceland Yellowjackets HAAC Phil Staback 2025 3 7 .300 3 7 .300 Dustin Bolen Jesse Ornelas Vacant
Grand View Vikings HAAC E. J. Peterson 2025 14 0 1.000 14 0 1.000 Jordan Knock Tyler Martin Jake Munkwitz
MidAmerica Nazarene Pioneers HAAC Ivan Cordova 2025 7 4 .636 7 4 .636 Vacant Vacant Kevon McGrew
Missouri Baptist Spartans HAAC Marc Lillibridge 2026 0 0 – 0 0 – Vacant Derrick Berry Vacant
Missouri Valley Vikings HAAC LaQuentin Black 2025 3 7 .300 3 7 .300 Jacoby Bellard / Jack Goulet Kevin Griffin Jake Wilson
Mount Mercy Mustangs HAAC MD Daniels[31] 2026 0 0 – 7 18 .280 Vacant Raul Lozano Jakim Brock
Peru State Bobcats HAAC Sean Wilkerson 2026 0 0 – 0 0 – Vacant Vacant Vacant
St. Ambrose Fighting Bees HAAC Vince Fillipp[32] 2022 10 32 .238 10 32 .238 DeQuinn Watford Matt McKay Bernard Buhake
William Penn Statesmen HAAC Marc Benavidez[33] 2023 19 14 .576 58 26 .690 Grant Garth Jay Burns / Matt Byers Vacant
William Woods Owls HAAC Sam Camp 2025 1 10 .091 1 10 .091 Vacant Justin Coleman Vacant
Andrew Fighting Tigers Independent Nick Garrett 2024 13 3 .813 13 3 .813 Vacant Vacant Alex Plasko
Avila Eagles KCAC Ed Warinner 2026 0 0 – 0 0 – Erick Burzanko Mark Rhea Vacant
Bethany (KS) Swedes KCAC Mike Grossner[34] 2023 7 26 .212 124 81 .605 Vacant Josh Seybert Vacant
Bethel (KS) Threshers KCAC Josh Lawson 2025 3 8 .273 3 8 .273 Taggart Brown Drametrice Smith Vacant
Evangel Valor KCAC Chuck Hepola[35] 2016 70 36 .660 70 36 .660 Ryne Strickland Jeremy DeSoto Clayton Uber
Friends Falcons KCAC Terry Harrison[36] 2022 36 12 .750 36 12 .750 Eric Kelly Paul Kempf Vacant
Kansas Wesleyan Coyotes KCAC Matt Middleton 2025 7 4 .636 7 4 .636 Boomer Cunningham / Josh Qualls David Leonard Ben Blahauvietz
McPherson Bulldogs KCAC Jeremiah Fiscus[37] 2019 41 30 .577 41 30 .577 Chris Jenkins / Joshua Pisik Mitch Leppke Vacant
Ottawa Braves KCAC Nick Davis[38] 2022 15 29 .341 15 29 .341 Clarence Anderson Vacant Kyle Kramer
Saint Mary (KS) Spires KCAC Taylor Calvert 2026 0 0 – 0 0 – Vacant Vacant Vacant
Southwestern (KS) Moundbuilders KCAC Brad Griffin 2015 73 47 .608 73 47 .608 Ryan Nelson Drew Smith Vacant
Sterling Warriors KCAC Reggie Langford Jr.[39] 2024 3 19 .136 3 19 .136 Vacant Nathan Butts / Brenden Sanders Tarik Embrack / Darren Porche
Tabor Bluejays KCAC Mike Gardner[40] 2010 117 80 .594 142 98 .592 Kevin Roehrich C. J. Hill Vacant
Bethel (TN) Wildcats MSC Chris Springer 2025 4 5 .444 4 5 .444 Vacant Kris Beauchamp Michael Salerno
Campbellsville Tigers MSC Hunter Brown 2026 0 0 – 0 0 – Vacant Jody Ford Matt Atwood
Cumberland (TN) Phoenix MSC Tim Mathis[41] 2018 37 42 .468 37 42 .468 Bobby Brown Patrick Miller Vacant
Cumberlands (KY) Patriots MSC Shan Housekeeper[42] 2022 20 20 .500 20 20 .500 Adam Morris Starr Thompson Vacant
Faulkner Eagles MSC Dayne Brown 2025 4 6 .400 4 6 .400 Nick Anderson Jeremy Perkovich Vacant
Georgetown (KY) Tigers MSC John Perin 2025 7 3 .700 7 3 .700 Caleb Corrill Devvon Gage Vacant
Lindsey Wilson Blue Raiders MSC Phil Kleckler[43] 2022 32 11 .744 32 11 .744 Jay Bright Daniel Cotter Vacant
Defiance Yellow Jackets MSFA Bill Nickell[44] 2022 14 26 .350 14 26 .350 Dave Taynor Joseph Webb D'Gary Wallace
Indiana Wesleyan Wildcats MSFA Andrew Rode[45] 2023 30 7 .811 30 7 .811 Travis Palmer Isaac Bower Vacant
Judson Eagles MSFA Shawn Flynn 2025 1 10 .091 1 10 .091 Vacant Amos Velasquez Nolan Owen
Lawrence Tech Blue Devils MSFA Oscar Olejniczak 2025 2 8 .200 2 8 .200 Vacant Kyle Nystrom Vacant
Madonna Crusaders MSFA Brett Guminsky[46] 2024 1 21 .045 1 21 .045 Philip Guel / Gerald McCants Matt Strzalkowski Prince AyoOla
Marian (IN) Knights MSFA Ted Karras Jr.[47] 2023 73 31 .702 97 80 .548 Matt King Clay Emmrich Steve Tutsie
Olivet Nazarene Tigers MSFA Avante Mitchell[48] 2024 12 8 .600 25 37 .403 Keith Beckham Terrance Wilson DeShawn Gilbert
St. Francis (IL) Fighting Saints MSFA Joe Curry[49] 2012 74 70 .514 74 70 .514 Matt McCarthy Thomas Miller Vacant
Saint Francis (IN) Cougars MSFA Adam Sherman 2025 10 3 .769 10 3 .769 Austin Dreyer Nate Jensen / Willis Sands Cam Peterson
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods Pomeroys MSFA Blaine Powell 2026 0 0 – 0 0 – Trey Powell Michael Hayden Griffin Olson
Saint Xavier Cougars MSFA Mike Feminis[50] 1999 227 91 .714 227 91 .714 Mark Yanule Tyler Reinhardt Vacant
Taylor Trojans MSFA Aaron Mingo[51] 2021 26 28 .481 26 28 .481 Josh Flannery Jared Boddie Adam Langvardt
Arkansas Baptist Buffaloes SAC Richard Wilson[52] 2021 6 39 .133 6 39 .133 Vacant Ashdone Bailey Vacant
Langston Lions SAC Vacant 2026 0 0 – 0 0 – Vacant Vacant Vacant
Louisiana Christian Wildcats SAC Ben McLaughlin[53] 2024 12 10 .545 12 10 .545 Cory York James Wood Josh Graham
Nelson Lions SAC Jared Hudgins[54] 2024 6 14 .300 6 14 .300 Blake McCulloch Gennard Johnson Vacant
Oklahoma Panhandle State Aggies SAC Cory Miller[55] 2023 13 17 .433 13 17 .433 Kenzie Kerns Will Nalley Vacant
OUAZ Spirit SAC Reilly Murphy 2025 8 1 .889 16 18 .471 Vacant Jerry Dominguez Garrett Casteel
Texas College Steers SAC Jarrail Jackson[56] 2022 10 30 .250 10 30 .250 Stefan Cotton Nathaniel Jones Vacant
Texas Wesleyan Rams SAC Fran Johnson 2026 0 0 – 0 0 – Vacant Darren Drago Vacant
Wayland Baptist Pioneers SAC Marcos Hinojos Sr.[57] 2023 12 17 .414 12 17 .414 Christian Escobar Marcos Hinojos Jr. Thomas Walser
Ave Maria Gyrenes TSC Joe Patterson[58] 2016 37 60 .381 37 60 .381 John Klacik Keith Gilmore Dylan Ramsey
Florida Memorial Lions TSC Michael Jones[59] 2025 4 6 .400 4 6 .400 Vacant Alex Suber Clavens Charles / Roy Smith
Keiser Seahawks TSC Myles Russ[60] 2024 24 2 .923 24 2 .923 Myles Notkin Peter Davila Logan Kelleher
St. Thomas (FL) Bobcats TSC Drew Davis 2026 0 0 – 0 0 – Tony Neymeiyer Mickey O'Rourke Vacant
Southeastern Fire TSC Jake Russell 2026 0 0 – 21 11 .656 Alex Bell Jordan Odaffer Ryan Beatty
Thomas Night Hawks TSC Dan Pippin 2026 0 0 – 0 0 – Vacant Vacant Vacant
Warner Royals TSC Dialleo Burks[61] 2022 7 31 .184 7 31 .184 Dwayne Wood Vacant Joe Nieves
Webber International Warriors TSC Eric Potochney[62] 2021 19 22 .463 19 22 .463 Jake Czerniakowski / Zack Sharaf Joe Riordan Rick Wimmer

See also

References

  1. ^ Theismann, Joe; Tarcy, Brian (2001). "Chapter 5: Coaching: Win, Get Fired, or Go on TV". The Complete Idiot's Guide to Football (2nd ed.). Indianapolis, Indiana: Alpha Books. p. 57. ISBN 0-02-864167-1. Retrieved May 10, 2010.
  2. ^ "Dewey Lusk - Football Coach". Bluefield University Athletics. Retrieved September 24, 2023.
  3. ^ "Kentucky Christian University". Kentucky Christian University. Retrieved September 24, 2023.
  4. ^ "Corey Fipps - Football Coach". UPIKE Athletics. Retrieved September 24, 2023.
  5. ^ "Reinhardt University Athletics". Reinhardt University Athletics. Retrieved September 24, 2023.
  6. ^ "Troy Purcell - Head Football Coach - Football Coaches". Carroll College Athletics. Retrieved September 24, 2023.
  7. ^ "Mike Moroski - Head Coach - Staff Directory". College of Idaho Athletics. Retrieved September 24, 2023.
  8. ^ "Josh Anderson - Head Football Coach - Football Coaches". Dakota State University. Retrieved September 26, 2023.
  9. ^ "Pete Stanton". Dickinson State University. Retrieved September 26, 2023.
  10. ^ "Rocky Larson - Football Coach". Mayville State University Athletics. Retrieved September 26, 2023.
  11. ^ "Jerome Souers - Football Coach". Montana State University Northern Athletics. Retrieved September 24, 2023.
  12. ^ "Kyle Samson - Football Coach". Montana Tech Athletics. Retrieved September 25, 2023.
  13. ^ "Ryan Nourse - Football Coach". Montana Western, University of. Retrieved September 25, 2023.
  14. ^ "Berk Brown - Football Coach". Southern Oregon University Athletics. Retrieved September 25, 2023.
  15. ^ "Dennis McCulloch - Head Football Coach - Football Coaches". Valley City State University. Retrieved September 26, 2023.
  16. ^ "Football Coaches :". Concordia University, Nebraska. Retrieved September 26, 2023.
  17. ^ "From volunteer to head coach: Alex Kretzschmar ready to take over DWU football". Yahoo Sports. February 16, 2024. Retrieved February 19, 2024.
  18. ^ "Jonathan Johnson hired as new Doane Football Head Coach". News Channel Nebraska Southeast. January 4, 2024. Retrieved January 16, 2024.
  19. ^ "Joel Penner - Head Coach Football/Quarterbacks Coach - Football Coaches". Dordt University. Retrieved September 26, 2023.
  20. ^ "Jungling Promoted to Offensive Coordinator". Dordt University. January 17, 2024. Retrieved January 29, 2024.
  21. ^ "Matt Franzen". Hastings College. Retrieved September 26, 2023.
  22. ^ "Jeff Jamrog". Midland University. Retrieved September 26, 2023.
  23. ^ "Steve Ryan". Morningside University. Retrieved September 26, 2023.
  24. ^ "John Michaletti - Head Coach - Football Coaches". Mount Marty University. Retrieved September 26, 2023.
  25. ^ "Matt McCarty - Football Coach". Northwestern College Athletics. Retrieved September 26, 2023.
  26. ^ "Head Football Coach". Baker University. Retrieved September 26, 2023.
  27. ^ "Joel Osborn". Benedictine College KS. Retrieved September 26, 2023.
  28. ^ "Head Football Coach". Central Methodist University. Retrieved September 26, 2023.
  29. ^ "Football". Clarke University. Retrieved September 26, 2023.
  30. ^ "Tom Sallay". Culver-Stockton College. Retrieved September 26, 2023.
  31. ^ "MD Daniels". Mount Mercy University. Retrieved January 23, 2025.
  32. ^ "Vince Fillipp". St. Ambrose University. Retrieved September 26, 2023.
  33. ^ "Marc Benavidez". William Penn University. Retrieved September 26, 2023.
  34. ^ "Mike Grossner". Bethany College (KS). Retrieved September 26, 2023.
  35. ^ "Chuck Hepola - Head Coach - Football Coaches". Evangel University of the Assemblies of God. Retrieved September 26, 2023.
  36. ^ "Terry Harrison - Head Coach/Offensive Line - Football Coaches". Friends University. Retrieved September 26, 2023.
  37. ^ "Jeremiah Fiscus - Football Coach". McPherson College Athletics. Retrieved September 26, 2023.
  38. ^ "Nick Davis - Head Coach - Football Coaches". Ottawa University. Retrieved September 26, 2023.
  39. ^ "Warrior Athletics Announces Change in Football Leadership". June 4, 2024.
  40. ^ "Mike Gardner - Head Football Coach - Football Coaches". Tabor College. Retrieved September 26, 2023.
  41. ^ "Tim Mathis - Head Coach - Football Coaches". Cumberland University. Retrieved September 26, 2023.
  42. ^ "Shan Housekeeper - Football Coach". University of the Cumberlands Athletics. Retrieved September 26, 2023.
  43. ^ "Phil Kleckler". Lindsey Wilson. Retrieved September 26, 2023.
  44. ^ Nissen, Shayne (June 17, 2022). "DC Football: Bill Nickell named Yellow Jackets head coach". The Crescent-News. Retrieved March 21, 2023.
  45. ^ "Andrew Rode - Head Coach - Football Coaches". Indiana Wesleyan University. Retrieved September 26, 2023.
  46. ^ "Brett Guminsky Named Head Coach of Madonna Football". Madonna University Athletics. January 25, 2024. Retrieved January 25, 2024.
  47. ^ "Ted Karras Jr. - Head Coach - Football Coaches". Marian University Ind. Retrieved September 26, 2023.
  48. ^ "AVANTE MITCHELL NAMED ONU'S 11TH HEAD FOOTBALL COACH". January 18, 2024.
  49. ^ "Joe Curry - Head Football Coach - Football Coaches". University of St. Francis (III.). Retrieved September 26, 2023.
  50. ^ "Mike Feminis - Football Coach - Football Coaches". Saint Xavier University. Retrieved September 26, 2023.
  51. ^ "Aaron Mingo". Taylor University Trojans. Retrieved September 26, 2023.
  52. ^ "Richard Wilson - Head Football Coach - Football Coaches". Arkansas Baptist College. Retrieved September 26, 2023.
  53. ^ Baublitz, Brian (February 22, 2024). "Ben McLaughlin Tabbed 25th Football Head Coach in Program History". KALB.com. Retrieved February 22, 2024.
  54. ^ "SAGU Tabs Jared Hudgins To Lead University Football Program". Southwestern Assemblies of God University. January 12, 2024. Retrieved January 12, 2024.
  55. ^ "Cory Miller - Football Coach". Oklahoma Panhandle State University Athletics. Retrieved September 26, 2023.
  56. ^ "Jarrail Jackson". Texas College. Retrieved September 26, 2023.
  57. ^ "Marcos Hinojos Sr. - Head Coach - Staff Directory". Wayland Baptist University Athletics. Retrieved September 26, 2023.
  58. ^ "Joe Patterson - Football Coach". Ave Maria University Athletics. Retrieved September 26, 2023.
  59. ^ Keleta, Habtom (February 4, 2025). "Florida Memorial University names Michael Jones head football coach". Florida Memorial University. Retrieved February 4, 2025.
  60. ^ "Myles Russ Named Next Head Coach of Keiser Football". Keiser University Athletics. January 29, 2024. Retrieved January 29, 2024.
  61. ^ "Dialleo Burks - Football Coach". Warner University Athletics. Retrieved September 27, 2023.
  62. ^ "Eric Potochney - Head Football Coach - Football Coaches". Webber International University Athletics. Retrieved September 27, 2023.
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