Gardner-Webb University has dismissed its football head coach after just one game with the program.
Kris McCullough joined the program this year after being announced as the team’s new head coach in late December 2025.
However, the school announced on Wednesday that it had terminated McCullough’s contract effective immediately just days after launching an investigation.
McCullough, a married father of two, had been suspended on Monday ‘pending the outcome of an ongoing investigation.’
No further details about the investigation have been provided. The Daily Mail’s request for comment was not immediately returned by Gardner-Webb.
McCullough took charge of just one game with the Runnin’ Bulldogs – a 35-17 loss to Austin Peay on August 27. Pete Bennett has now been appointed interim head coach and will remain in the role for the remainder of the season.
Gardner-Webb University has dismissed football head coach Kris McCullough
McCullough, pictured with his wife Hannah, was fired after just one game in charge
McCullough’s dismissal comes amid reports of ‘off-field issues’ and social media speculation.
The Daily Mail has contacted McCullough for comment.
McCullough has been married to his wife Hannah for eight years. The couple share two children together, son KJ and daughter SJ.
McCullough, the 2023 national coach of the year, joined Gardner-Webb after three years as the head coach of Division II Texas-Permian Basin.
He had reportedly been the youngest head coach in football when Texas-Permian Basin hired him in December 2022.
McCullough enjoyed a successful tenure with Texas-Permian Basin, leading the school to two NCAA Division II playoff appearances in 2023 and 2025 and a Heritage Bowl berth in 2024.
He oversaw a 10-2 season that included a Lone Star Conference title in his first season in 2023. Furthermore, 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 is said to have joined an exclusive group in 2025 when he became just 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,’ per Gardner-Webb.
The coach shares two children, son KJ and daughter SJ, with his wife
McCullough joined Gardner-Webb after three years as the head coach of Texas-Permian Basin
His successful track record appealed to Gardner-Webb, who had appeared to have held high hopes for McCullough.
‘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,’ Gardner-Webb vice president and athletics director Brendan Fahey said in a press release announcing his hiring last year.
‘He has built a culture of excellence both on and off the field, developing young men who succeed at the next level.
‘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.’
