Add The New York Post on Google It’s one (game) and done for Kris McCullough.
Gardner-Webb University is firing McCullough after previously suspending him while it conducted an investigation following his first game leading the football program, according to ESPN.
Pete Bennett had been installed as the interim coach following the 35-17 loss to Austin Peay last Thursday, and the Runnin’ Bulldogs visit Wofford this Saturday.
Gardner-Webb coach Kris McCullough. Gardner-Webb announced Monday that McCullough had been suspended but did not provide any comment or details about what led to the curious move.
Football Scoop previously reported the school had been looking into “off the field” issues.
McCullough joined the program on Dec. 23, 2025 after spending three years as the head coach of Division II Texas-Permain Basin.
His Gardner-Webb biography said McCullough had been the youngest head coach in football when Texas-Permain Basin hired him in December 2022.
He led the program to playoffs appearances in 2023 and 2025 and a Heritage Bowl berth in 2024.
A Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs football helmet sits on the sidelines during a game against the East Carolina Pirates on Saturday, September 7, 2019, at Dowdy-Ficklin Stadium in Greenville, NC. Icon Sportswire via Getty Images McCullough oversaw a 10-2 season that included a Lone Star Conference title in his first season in 2023, and his last season with the school included a program-record 11 wins, and a Division II quarterfinals berth and No. 3 end-of-season ranking, per his bio.
He’s credited by Gardner-Webb for being the fourth coach in college football history to win 30 games before he turned 30, “joining the likes of all-time football greats such as Pop Warner.”
McCullough also served as Division II East Central University’s head coach for one season and went 9-3.
“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,” Gardner-Webb vice president and athletics director Brendan Fahey said in a press release announcing the hiring. “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.”
