By Brandon Warr, Athletics Communications Specialist
Special from UTPB
University of Texas Permian Basin Head Football Coach, Kris McCullough is making headlines even before his first official game as a Falcon. McCullough was recently named by several publications as a rising star coach.
“I am very humbled and proud to be named to the 247 30 under 30 group of coaches along with the AFCA 35 under 35 and Dave Campbells 40 under 40,” said coach McCullough. “These recognitions wouldn’t have happened if it wasn’t for the great group of players and coaches I have had at ECU and UTPB. Good assistant coaches and players make my job easier!”
McCullough took over as head coach at UT Permian Basin on December 22, 2022, becoming the second head coach in UTPB history. So far in his head coaching career McCullough has a 9-3 overall record.
“We are proud of the recognition Kris McCullough is receiving as UT Permian Basin’s football coach. Since he arrived in January, Kris continues to elevate the level of excitement not only around our football program, but also our entire athletic department,” stated Vice President for Athletics Todd Dooley. “Kris certainly is a rising star, and we are glad he is a Falcon.”
McCullough became the youngest football coach at the age of 26 when he was named interim head coach of Division II East Central University – taking the Tigers to a 6-2 winning season.
Following the conclusion of the 2021 season, McCullough had the “interim” title removed and was named head coach at East Central University for the 2022 season. During that season he led the Tigers to a 9-3 overall record, 8-3 in conference play in the Great American Conference.
After the conclusion of that season, three players earned All-Super Region Three honors while 16 were named to the All-GAC Team. Linebacker Devon Roush was named GAC Defensive Player of the Year on a defense that forced 28 turnovers and led the nation in turnover differential.
McCullough also earned off the field recognition being named to the American Football Coaches Association 35 Under 35 Coaches Leadership Institute, recognizing him as one of the best young coaches in the game of football. He was the lone Division II coach selected to the list that included coaches Div-1 institutions and NFL teams.
UT Permian Basin will kick the season off Saturday, Sep. 2 at 6 p.m., in Astound Broadband Stadium in Midland, Texas taking on Texas College. Click here to purchase tickets for the season.
