Harding University Men's Football

AT HARDING Roddy Mote was named the 14th head football coach in Harding history on January 6, 2026. A former Bison quarterback and running back, Mote began his third stint on the coaching staff in 2016 and served as the defensive coordinator from 2017-2025 before taking the helm. He also coached at Harding from 1994-99 and 2001-04. Coaching Highlights: Head Coach: Promoted to head coach in 2026 after serving as the architect of one of the nation's most dominant defenses. National Coordinator of the Year: Named the 2025 FootballScoop Division II Coordinator of the Year after his defense led the nation in scoring defense (10.8 ppg) and helped power the Bisons to the National Championship game. Championship Pedigree: Served as the defensive coordinator on Harding's 2023 NCAA Division II National Championship team and the 2025 National Runner-Up squad. Winning Culture: Harding has compiled a 105-17 record in the nine seasons since Mote returned to the staff. The Bisons have made eight NCAA Division II Playoff appearances during that span, reaching the national semifinals three times (2017, 2023, 2025) and the national title game twice. Mote has coached in 23 postseason games for Harding since 2016. Defensive Dominance: Since becoming defensive coordinator in 2017, Harding has led the Great American Conference in total defense and rushing defense for eight consecutive seasons. On the national stage, Mote's units led NCAA Division II in total defense in 2018, 2019, and 2024, and ranked No. 1 in scoring defense in 2025. Player Development: Has coached numerous First Team All-GAC linebackers and defenders, including All-Americans Daylan Skidmore, Sam Blankenship, Dylan Hendricks, and Clark Griffin. Under Mote’s tutelage, Griffin became Harding's NCAA-era career leader in tackles (436) and tackles for loss (45.5). Recognition: In addition to his 2025 Coordinator of the Year award, Mote was a finalist for the same honor in 2019, standing as the only defensive coordinator among the four finalists that year. BEFORE HARDING Mote took the head coaching job at Harding Academy in 2008 and led the team to state championships in 2012 and 2015, compiling a 93-12 career record. PLAYING CAREER Mote was a three-year letterman at Harding as a quarterback and running back from 1984-89. He was also a three-year letterman as a high school quarterback at St. Mary's (West Virginia) High School. EDUCATION Mote earned his bachelor's degree in education in 1989 and his master's in physical education at Harding in 1996. FAMILY Mote is married to the former Kim Griffin of Searcy, who teaches at Harding Academy. The couple have three children—Taylor, Tory, and Ty. COACHING EXPERIENCE 2026-present: Harding, head coach 2017-2025: Harding, defensive coordinator/linebackers coach 2016: Harding, linebackers coach 2008-2015: Harding Academy (Arkansas), head coach 2005-2007: Harding Academy (Arkansas), assistant coach 2001-2004: Harding, secondary coach 1994-1999: Harding, offensive backs coach 1991-1993: Greater Atlanta Christian, assistant coach 1990: Goodpasture Academy (Nashville, Tenn.), assistant coach 1989: The Colony (Texas) HS, assistant coach PLAYING EXPERIENCE Harding, quarterback/running back, 1984-89 St. Mary's (West Virginia) HS, quarterback, 1981-84

At Harding Sam Tandy became Harding's first full-time golf coach in June 2025. Playing Career During his collegiate career at Harding, Tandy consistently excelled, participating in 40 events and 116 rounds with a career stroke average of 72.24. Remarkably, 48% of his rounds (56) were at or below par, and his individual winning percentage stands at .832. He holds the Harding career records for scoring average and individual winning percentage. Tandy also placed second at the 2022 ASGA Match Play Championship. Tandy's extensive accolades include being a 2023 PING All-America (third team) and a 2024 PING All-America (first team). He was also a two-time PING All-Central Region selection and the 2024 Great American Conference (GAC) Player of the Year. Academically, Tandy earned numerous honors, including the 2024 CSC At-Large Academic All-American of the Year, the 2024 GAC Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year and the 2023 NCAA Elite 90 Award. He was a three-time All-GAC first-team selection and a three-time Academic All-GAC honoree. Education Tandy graduated from Harding University in 2024 with a degree in finance.

Underwood will be in his third season as co-offensive coordinator for Harding in 2016. In his first two seasons, he coached the quarterback and fullback position groups, and in 2016 he will coach the slotbacks. In his first season, Harding ranked second in NCAA Division II in rushing offense and 26th in total offense. The team set Harding's single-season record for touchdowns and had the second-ranked passing efficiency in NCAA II. Fullback Romo Westbrook earned All-America, and fullback Alapeti Magalei was second-team All-GAC. In 2015, Harding's offense led the GAC, ranked second in NCAA II and fourth in the entire NCAA in rushing offense. HU quarterback Park Parish earned first-team All-GAC and set the Harding record for rushing touchdowns in a season. Fullback Michael Latu earned second-team All-GAC. Harding reached the 2014 NCAA Division II Playoffs in his first season. PRIOR TO HARDING Underwood came back to Harding after spending four seasons as the head coach at Jackson (Tennessee) Christian School. He led the team to two Tennessee Division II state playoff berths. Underwood coached Drae Bowles, a US Army All-American who was a four-star recruit that signed with the University of Tennessee, and Noah Chandler, who played baseball at Harding and had 3,751 total yards and 38 touchdowns as a quarterback under Underwood. Prior to his time at Jackson Christian, Underwood was the offensive coordinator at Memphis (Tennessee) Harding Academy from 2004-09. Harding Academy reached the state championship in 2008 and the state semifinals in 2004 and 2006. Underwood coached Marlon Brown, currently a wide receiver with the Baltimore Ravens and a former Parade All-American who played collegiately at Georgia. PLAYING CAREER Underwood played quarterback and special teams for the Harding football team from 1998-2002. He was a team captain on the 2002 team that finished 9-2. EDUCATION Underwood is a native of Searcy, Ark., graduated from Harding Academy in 1998 and earned his B.A. in social science from Harding University in 2003. FAMILY Underwood is married to the former Liz Lee of Memphis, Tennessee. The couple has one daughter, Ellie (3), and one son, Thomas (1).   Matt Underwood Co-Offensive Coordinator/Slotbacks Coach AT HARDING Matt Underwood will be in his third season as co-offensive coordinator for Harding in 2016. In his first two seasons, he coached the quarterback and fullback position groups, and in 2016 he will coach the slotbacks. In his first season, Harding ranked second in NCAA Division II in rushing offense and 26th in total offense. The team set Harding's single-season record for touchdowns and had the second-ranked passing efficiency in NCAA II. Fullback Romo Westbrook earned All-America, and fullback Alapeti Magalei was second-team All-GAC. In 2015, Harding's offense led the GAC, ranked second in NCAA II and fourth in the entire NCAA in rushing offense. HU quarterback Park Parish earned first-team All-GAC and set the Harding record for rushing touchdowns in a season. Fullback Michael Latu earned second-team All-GAC. Harding reached the 2014 NCAA Division II Playoffs in his first season. PRIOR TO HARDING Underwood came back to Harding after spending four seasons as the head coach at Jackson (Tennessee) Christian School. He led the team to two Tennessee Division II state playoff berths. Underwood coached Drae Bowles, a US Army All-American who was a four-star recruit that signed with the University of Tennessee, and Noah Chandler, who played baseball at Harding and had 3,751 total yards and 38 touchdowns as a quarterback under Underwood. Prior to his time at Jackson Christian, Underwood was the offensive coordinator at Memphis (Tennessee) Harding Academy from 2004-09. Harding Academy reached the state championship in 2008 and the state semifinals in 2004 and 2006. Underwood coached Marlon Brown, currently a wide receiver with the Baltimore Ravens and a former Parade All-American who played collegiately at Georgia. PLAYING CAREER Underwood played quarterback and special teams for the Harding football team from 1998-2002. He was a team captain on the 2002 team that finished 9-2. EDUCATION Underwood is a native of Searcy, Ark., graduated from Harding Academy in 1998 and earned his B.A. in social science from Harding University in 2003. FAMILY Underwood is married to the former Liz Lee of Memphis, Tennessee. The couple has one daughter, Ellie (3), and one son, Thomas (1).  

AT HARDING Eric Kelly returned to his alma mater in January 2026 to serve as the recruiting coordinator and slotbacks coach. A former standout playmaker for the Bisons, Kelly brings a wealth of offensive knowledge and a proven eye for talent to Roddy Mote’s inaugural staff. BEFORE HARDING Kelly joins the Bisons after establishing himself as one of the premier offensive minds at the NAIA level. Friends University (2022-2025): Kelly served as the offensive coordinator and slot receivers coach at Friends University in Wichita, Kansas, working under head coach Terry Harrison. He helped orchestrate a potent flexbone attack that consistently ranked among the nation's best. National Coordinator of the Year: Following a historic 2025 campaign, Kelly was named the 2025 FootballScoop NAIA Coordinator of the Year. He was also recognized as the KCAC Assistant Coach of the Year. Highest-Scoring Offense in America: In his final season, Kelly's unit finished as the highest-scoring four-year college football team in the country, regardless of division. The Falcons racked up 704 points in 13 games (54.2 ppg) and scored 95 touchdowns. Historic Rushing Production: The Friends offense was nearly unstoppable on the ground, rushing for 5,979 yards and 79 touchdowns while averaging a stunning 8.4 yards per carry. The Falcons topped 400 rushing yards in nine of their 13 games. Player Development: Under Kelly's guidance, quarterback K'Vonte Baker was named the KCAC Offensive Player of the Year after rushing for 1,181 yards and 30 touchdowns. Offensive lineman Kyree Watkins earned KCAC Offensive Lineman of the Year and First Team AFCA All-America honors. Bethel College (2018-2021): Prior to Friends, Kelly spent three seasons as the offensive coordinator and running backs coach at Bethel College, where he played a pivotal role in transforming a 1-9 program into an elite contender. Top-Ranked Offense: He oversaw an offense that led the NAIA in total rushing for two consecutive seasons. Coordinator of the Year Finalist: His record-breaking success led to him being named a 2020 FootballScoop Coordinator of the Year Finalist. Championships: Kelly helped guide the Threshers to two KCAC regular-season co-championships. The 2020 season featured the program's first playoff appearance in over a decade and a school-record 26 postseason All-KCAC awards, including the KCAC Player of the Year. Turnaround Specialist: Upon his arrival in 2018, the rushing offense jumped from 79th in the nation to 8th in just one season. By 2019, the team set a school record for total points (standing since 1984) and achieved its quickest path to 10 wins in program history. PLAYING CAREER Kelly was an explosive slotback for Harding from 2012-16, known for his big-play ability and efficiency in the run game. Playing Highlights: Efficiency Record: Kelly holds one of the highest career rushing averages in program history. He averaged 8.39 yards per carry (105 carries for 881 yards) during his career, which ranks 9th all-time at Harding (minimum 100 attempts). 2016 Season: He was a key contributor on the 2016 team that posted a 13-1 record, won the Great American Conference championship, and advanced to the NCAA Division II National Quarterfinals. Versatility: In addition to his rushing production, Kelly was a reliable perimeter blocker and receiving threat out of the backfield, embodying the selfless play required of the slotback position. EDUCATION Kelly earned his Bachelor of Science in Sport and Recreation Management from Harding University in 2016. He completed his Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Harding in 2017. COACHING EXPERIENCE 2026-present: Harding, recruiting coordinator/slotbacks coach 2022-2025: Friends University, offensive coordinator/slot receivers 2018-2021: Bethel College, offensive coordinator/running backs PLAYING EXPERIENCE Harding, slotback (2012-16)

AT HARDING Luke Tribble was promoted to Defensive Coordinator in January 2026 after serving as the program's co-defensive coordinator since 2018. He continues to coach the defensive backs, a role he has held since joining the staff in 2012. Coaching Highlights: Promotion: Named Defensive Coordinator by Head Coach Roddy Mote following the 2025 season. Championship Pedigree: Served as the co-defensive coordinator, special teams coordinator, and defensive backs coach for the 2023 NCAA Division II National Championship team and the 2025 National Runner-Up squad. Winning Tradition: Harding has compiled a 139-27 record during Tribble's 14 seasons on staff. The Bisons have made 10 NCAA Division II Playoff appearances during his tenure (2012, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2023, 2024, 2025), reaching the national semifinals three times and the title game twice. Defensive Dominance: Tribble has played a key role in a defensive unit that has led the Great American Conference in total defense in 11 of the last 13 seasons and in rushing defense for 12 consecutive seasons. 2025 Success: In 2025, Tribble helped orchestrate a defense that led all of NCAA Division II in scoring defense, allowing just 10.8 points per game, and powered the team to a school-record tying 15 wins. Player Development: Has coached 12 First Team All-GAC defensive backs, including All-Americans Daylan Markham, Jacory Nichols, Cade Pugh, and Ty Dugger. Dugger, a 2025 All-American, finished his career ranked second in Harding history in interception return yards. Special Teams Excellence: As the longtime special teams coordinator, Tribble coached nine First Team All-GAC special teams players, including All-Americans John Gay, Corey Bassett, and Braden Jay. BEFORE HARDING Tribble spent six months as a graduate assistant at Southwestern Oklahoma State before joining the Harding coaching staff in 2012. PLAYING CAREER In his four-year career as a Bison defensive back (2008-11), Tribble played in 41 games, recording 172 tackles, 5.0 tackles for loss, 11 pass breakups, and three interceptions. He was an ESPN the Magazine Academic All-District honoree in 2010. Tribble started three seasons as a quarterback, free safety, and wide receiver for coach Tommy Shoemaker at Harding Academy. He was a two-time All-Conference selection and earned All-State honors as a senior. Tribble was named the White County Offensive Player of the Year, was a finalist for the Hooton’s Arkansas Class 3A Offensive Player of the Year, and played in the Arkansas High School All-Star Game. EDUCATION Tribble graduated from Harding in May 2011 with a Bachelor of Arts in kinesiology. FAMILY Tribble is married to the former Amy Mare of Valrico, Florida. The couple has one daughter, Shyla. COACHING EXPERIENCE 2026-present: Harding, defensive coordinator/defensive backs coach 2018-2025: Harding, co-defensive coordinator/special teams coordinator/defensive backs coach 2012-2017: Harding, defensive backs coach 2012: Southwestern Oklahoma State, graduate assistant PLAYING EXPERIENCE 2008-11: Harding, defensive back 2005-07: Harding Academy (Arkansas), quarterback/wide receiver/defensive back

INTERVIEWS On 103.7 the Buzz - April 15, 2020 GAC Media Day - Aug. 4, 2022 On Coaches & The Mouth - Dec. 15, 2023 - Week before the national championship game National Championship Game On-Field Interview - Dec. 16, 2023 NCAA National Championship Postgame Press Conference - Dec. 16, 2023 On 103.7 the Buzz - Dec. 18, 2023 Simmons Receives AFCA National Coach of the Year - Feb. 8, 2024   AT HARDING Paul Simmons served as Harding’s 13th head football coach from 2017-2025, orchestrating the most successful era in the program's history. In January 2026, Simmons transitioned to the newly created role of General Manager of Harding Football, where he focuses on program sustainability, fundraising, roster management, and community engagement. During his nine seasons as head coach, Simmons compiled a career record of 92-16 (.852), establishing one of the highest winning percentages in the history of college football. Coaching Highlights: National Champion: Led the Bisons to the 2023 NCAA Division II National Championship, the first in Harding history, with a 38-7 victory over Colorado School of Mines. National Runner-Up: Guided the 2025 squad to a school-record 15 wins (15-1), a No. 2 national ranking, and an appearance in the 2025 National Championship game. Coach of the Year: A two-time National Coach of the Year. He was named the 2023 AFCA National Coach of the Year and the Don Hansen National Coach of the Year in both 2023 and 2025. He is also a multi-time Great American Conference Coach of the Year. Conference Dominance: Harding won four GAC championships under his leadership (2021, 2023, 2024, 2025) and never finished lower than second in the conference standings. Postseason Success: Harding reached the NCAA Division II Playoffs seven times in his nine seasons, compiling a 16-6 playoff record. His teams reached the national semifinals three times (2017, 2023, 2025) and the Super Region 3 finals in 2024. Rankings: Harding finished the season ranked in the AFCA Top 25 every season of his tenure, topping out at No. 1 in 2023 and No. 2 in 2025. Player Development: Simmons coached numerous All-Americans and GAC Players of the Year. In 2025 alone, running back Andrew Miller was a Harlon Hill finalist, and the team set NCAA all-division records for rushing yards and touchdowns. Simmons spent the previous 11 seasons as an assistant coach at Harding, joining the staff in 2006. He became Harding’s assistant head coach in 2008 and the defensive coordinator in 2010. In total, Simmons has coached in 26 Harding postseason games, spanning roles as an assistant and head coach. BEFORE HARDING Before coming to Harding, Simmons coached at Harding Academy of Memphis for eight seasons, compiling a 51-38 record and leading the Lions to six state playoff trips. Led by Simmons, Harding Academy, who had never won a playoff game, advanced to the state semifinals four times. Simmons served as a graduate assistant defensive line coach at Harding University from 1997-98. He was defensive coordinator and assistant track coach at Harding Academy of Memphis during the 1996-97 school year. PLAYING CAREER Simmons was a three-time All-America honoree at Harding University as a linebacker and defensive end. He compiled 415 career tackles (second all-time at HU) and 18.0 sacks (fourth all-time at HU) and was inducted into the Harding Athletics Hall of Fame in 1999. Simmons is the only Harding football player ever to earn first team All-America honors three times. EDUCATION Simmons earned his bachelor’s degree in social science from Harding University in 1995. FAMILY A native of Ashdown, Arkansas, he is married to the former Kimberly Hatcher of Jackson, Tennessee. The couple have three children. PLAYING EXPERIENCE Ashdown (Arkansas) HS, quarterback/linebacker (1988-90) Harding, defensive end/linebacker (1991-94) COACHING EXPERIENCE 1996-97: Harding Academy (Tennessee), defensive coordinator 1997-98: Harding, graduate assistant 1998-2005: Harding Academy (Tennessee), head coach 2006-09: Harding, defensive line coach 2010-16: Harding, defensive coordinator/defensive line coach 2017-2025: Harding, head coach 2026-present: Harding, general manager   Simmons's Harding Coaching Record Year Overall Record Pct. GAC Record Pct. Finish Postseason 2017 11-4 .733 8-3 .727 t-2nd NCAA Semifinals 2018 9-3 .750 9-2 .818 2nd NCAA Playoffs 2019 10-2 .833 10-1 .909 2nd NCAA Playoffs 2020 No season - COVID-19 2021 11-2 .846 10-1 .909 1st NCAA Playoffs 2022 9-2 .818 9-2 .818 2nd 2023 15-0 1.000 11-0 1.000 1st NCAA National Champions 2024 12-2 .857 10-1 .909 t-1st NCAA Super Region Finals 2025 15-1 .938 11-0 1.000 1st NCAA National Runner-Up Totals 92-16 .852 78-10 .886

AT HARDING Cameron Tucker returned to the Harding coaching staff in January 2026 as the Special Teams Coordinator and Wide Receivers Coach. A recent graduate and product of the Bison program, Tucker brings a deep familiarity with the team's culture and offensive system. He joins Head Coach Roddy Mote’s staff tasked with maintaining the program's tradition of disciplined, game-changing special teams units and developing a wide receiver corps known for its physicality and clutch playmaking. BEFORE HARDING Tucker returns to Searcy following a stint on the coaching staff at his alma mater, Palisade High School in Palisade, Colorado. Palisade is renowned for its toughness and adherence to option football principles, providing Tucker with relevant coaching experience in a system similar to Harding's flexbone attack. HARDING EXPERIENCE Tucker was a member of the Harding football program from 2020-2024. Although his collegiate playing career was cut short due to injury, he remained an integral part of "The Brotherhood," working with the team in a support capacity through his graduation. He contributed to the daily operations of the program during a historic stretch that included the 2023 National Championship season. PLAYING CAREER A 2020 graduate of Palisade High School in Colorado, Tucker was a standout two-way player at Quarterback and Free Safety under coach Joe Ramunno. Honors: Two-time All-State selection, three-time All-Conference honoree, and two-time Conference Back of the Year. Academics: Three-time First Team Academic All-State selection. EDUCATION Tucker earned his Bachelor of Arts in Kinesiology and Health from Harding University in 2024. COACHING EXPERIENCE 2026-present: Harding, special teams coordinator/wide receivers coach 2024-2025: Palisade (Colo.) High School, assistant coach

AT HARDING Biglow became an assistant coach at Harding in 2018. Coaching Highlights: Served as the defensive line coach on Harding's 2023 NCAA Division II National Championship team and the 2025 National Runner-Up squad. Harding has an 81-12 record in Biglow's first eight seasons and has made six NCAA Division II Playoffs appearances (2018, 2019, 2021, 2023, 2024, 2025). Has coached numerous First Team All-GAC defensive linemen, including GAC and Super Region 3 Defensive Players of the Year T.J. Winslow (2018) and Nathaniel Wallace (2023) and 2024 Upshaw Award finalist Gage Price. In 2025, his defensive line unit anchored a defense that ranked among the nation's best, allowing just 12.8 points per game (No. 1 in the GAC) and helping the team achieve a program-record 15 wins. Harding has led the GAC in total defense in seven of Biglow's eight seasons at Harding and led all of NCAA Division II three times (2018, 2019, 2024). Harding has also led the GAC in rushing defense in seven seasons. PLAYING CAREER From 2013 to 2016, Biglow was one of the most dominating defensive linemen ever to play for Harding. In 2017, Biglow was a student assistant, working with the defensive line and helping Harding advance to the national semifinals. Biglow, a native of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, played in 45 games as a Bison and had 24.5 sacks, the second highest total in program history. He was third with 43.5 tackles for loss. As a senior, Biglow was the Great American Conference (GAC) Defensive Player of the Year, earning his third All-GAC honor and second All-American award. EDUCATION Biglow graduated from Harding in May 2018 with a Bachelor of Arts in kinesiology and a minor in Bible and ministry. Earned a Master of Science in kinesiology and sport administration from Harding in 2021. FAMILY He is married to Hannah Albert of St. Louis, Missouri, who earned her health sciences degree at Harding in 2021. The couple have three sons, Elijah, Noah and Isaiah. PLAYING EXPERIENCE Putnam High School (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma), defensive line (2009-12) Harding, defensive line (2013-16) COACHING EXPERIENCE 2017: Harding, student assistant defensive line coach 2018-present: Harding, defensive line coach

AT HARDING Gavin de los Santos returned to his alma mater as the offensive line coach in January 2026. A former standout lineman for the Bisons, de los Santos brings a deep understanding of the program’s signature flexbone offense and the culture of "The Brotherhood." He joins the staff under new head coach Roddy Mote and offensive coordinator Bryce Bray, reuniting a core group of former players who helped build Harding into a national powerhouse. BEFORE HARDING De los Santos joins the Bisons after a successful tenure on the coaching staff at Conway High School in Conway, Arkansas. As an assistant coach for the Wampus Cats, he helped direct one of the top programs in Arkansas Class 7A, focusing on the development of the offensive line and run game coordination. PLAYING CAREER De los Santos was a dominant force on the Harding offensive line from 2013-17, anchoring the trenches during a pivotal era of the program's rise to national prominence. Playing Highlights: All-American: Earned All-America recognition during his career for his dominance at the tackle position. All-Conference: A multiple-time All-Great American Conference selection. Playoff Success: He was a key starter on the 2016 team that went 13-1 and reached the NCAA Division II National Quarterfinals, as well as the 2017 squad that advanced to the National Semifinals. Rushing Records: During his playing career, he paved the way for offenses that consistently led NCAA Division II in rushing, blocking for All-American fullbacks like Park Parish and Cole Chancey. EDUCATION De los Santos earned his bachelor’s degree from Harding University in 2017. COACHING EXPERIENCE 2026-present: Harding, offensive line coach 2020-2025: Conway High School, assistant coach PLAYING EXPERIENCE Harding, offensive line (2013-17)

AT HARDING Neil Evans returned to his alma mater as the linebackers coach in January 2026. A championship-winning head coach with deep ties to the Searcy community, Evans brings a proven track record of developing student-athletes and building winning cultures. This marks Evans' second stint on the Bison coaching staff. He previously served as the assistant offensive line coach from 2009-2010, where he assisted with practice planning, film breakdown, and recruiting in southwest Arkansas. BEFORE HARDING Evans joins the Bisons following a dynasty-building tenure at Harding Academy. As the head football coach from 2016-2023, Evans compiled a remarkable 95-21 record, establishing the Wildcats as the premier high school program in the state. Harding Academy Highlights: Four State Championships: Led the Wildcats to state titles in 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2023. State Runner-Up: Guided the team to a state finals appearance in 2022. Coach of the Year: A two-time Coach of the Year recipient and four-time finalist. Prior to his return to Searcy, Evans served as the head coach at Foreman (Ark.) High School (2015-16) and Mobile Christian School (2011-14) in Mobile, Alabama. At Mobile Christian, he orchestrated a turnaround, leading the team to a 23-13 record over three years and setting a school record for points scored in a season (474) in 2013. His coaching resume also includes a stop as the Co-Defensive Coordinator and Secondary Coach at Central Arkansas Christian (2014-15). Evans holds a career head coaching record of 119-44. PLAYING CAREER Evans was a member of the Harding football team as a center in 2007 and 2008. EDUCATION Evans earned his Bachelor of Science in Health, Kinesiology, and Coaching from Harding University in 2010. He added a Master of Arts in Education from Harding in 2020. He holds teaching certifications in Arkansas and Alabama. COACHING EXPERIENCE 2026-present: Harding, linebackers coach 2016-2023: Harding Academy, head coach 2015-2016: Foreman (Ark.) HS, head coach 2014-2015: Central Arkansas Christian, co-defensive coordinator/secondary 2011-2014: Mobile Christian (Ala.), head coach 2010-2011: Mobile Christian (Ala.), assistant coach (linebackers/special teams) 2009-2010: Harding, assistant offensive line coach PLAYING EXPERIENCE Harding, center (2007-08)

AT HARDING Will Francis joined the Harding coaching staff in 2025 as the quarterbacks and fullbacks coach. His impact was immediate, as he helped orchestrate the most prolific rushing attack in NCAA history during his debut season. Coaching Highlights: Record-Breaking Offense: In his first season, Francis’ position groups were the engine of an offense that set NCAA all-division records for rushing yards (6,943) and rushing touchdowns (88) in a single season. The Bisons averaged 433.9 rushing yards per game and 43.5 points per game while reaching the NCAA Division II National Championship game. Player Development: Under Francis’ guidance, fullback Andrew Miller produced one of the greatest individual seasons in program history. Miller rushed for 2,048 yards and 28 touchdowns, winning the Darren McFadden Award as Arkansas’ top collegiate running back and finishing as a finalist for the Harlon Hill Trophy. Quarterback Efficiency: He also mentored quarterback Cole Keylon, who set new career efficiency standards for the program. Keylon earned All-America honors and directed the offense to a school-record tying 15 wins. BEFORE HARDING Francis served as the Offensive Coordinator at Harding Academy from 2018-2024. During his tenure, he led the Wildcats to an impressive 81-12 overall record, including a 38-2 conference mark and a 24-3 playoff record. He was instrumental in helping the team win five conference championships and four state championships. As a coach, Francis was responsible for game planning, scouting reports, play calling, and offensive development. His teams were consistently among the top performers in the state, averaging 42.1 points per game and ranking in the top five in passing yards in Arkansas for five consecutive seasons. He coached 25 All-State players, and three of his quarterbacks were awarded state title game MVP honors. PLAYING CAREER Francis was a four-year starter for the Harding men's basketball team from 2013-17. He is Harding's career leader with 241 3-pointers made and led NCAA Division II in 2016-17 with a 50.0% 3-point percentage, connecting on 83 of 166 attempts. As a high school quarterback at Harding Academy, Francis was a three-time All-State selection and led the team to the 2012 Arkansas Class 3A state championship, where he earned MVP honors. That same year, he was named the Farm Bureau Class 3A Offensive Player of the Year and the Little Rock Touchdown Club 3A Player of the Year. He also averaged 17.9 points and 6.6 rebounds per game during his high school basketball career and helped lead the Harding Academy baseball team to the Arkansas Class 3A state championship, hitting a home run in the title game. EDUCATION Francis is a Harding University alumnus, having earned his B.S. in Kinesiology in 2013 and his M.A. in Teaching in 2018. FAMILY Francis is married to the former Falan Miller, a member of the Harding women's basketball team from 2014-18. They have one son, Lane, and one daughter, Madyn. COACHING EXPERIENCE 2025-present: Harding, quarterbacks and fullbacks coach 2018-2024: Harding Academy, offensive coordinator