Kris McCullough Fired by Gardner-Webb After One Game Following Off-the-Field Investigation

Gardner-Webb University terminated Kris McCullough’s contract effective immediately on September 2, 2026, after he coached only one game for the Runnin’ Bulldogs. The decision came two days after the university suspended McCullough while an ongoing investigation was underway. Gardner-Webb has not publicly disclosed what the investigation concerns or what specifically led to his dismissal. Pete Bennett will remain interim head coach for the rest of the 2026 season.

Introduction

Gardner-Webb University has fired head football coach Kris McCullough after just one game, bringing an abrupt end to his first season with the Runnin’ Bulldogs.

The university announced on September 2, 2026, that McCullough’s contract had been terminated effective immediately. The announcement came two days after Gardner-Webb said McCullough had been suspended pending the outcome of an ongoing investigation.

The university has not identified the subject of the investigation or provided details about the circumstances behind McCullough’s dismissal. That distinction is important because reports have described the matter as involving unspecified off-field issues, but Gardner-Webb itself has not publicly explained the allegations or findings.

Pete Bennett, who was named interim coach when McCullough was suspended, will continue in that position for the remainder of the 2026 season.

What Happened?

The sequence of events unfolded within just a few days.

McCullough made his Gardner-Webb debut on August 27, when the Runnin’ Bulldogs traveled to face No. 18 Austin Peay in their season opener. Gardner-Webb lost the game 35-17. The university's schedule confirms the August 27 matchup and the 35-17 final score.

On August 31, Gardner-Webb announced that McCullough had been suspended while an ongoing investigation was conducted. The university appointed special teams coordinator and tight ends coach Pete Bennett as interim head coach and said it had no additional comment at the time.

Two days later, Gardner-Webb announced that McCullough’s contract had been terminated effective immediately.

The university's September 2 statement was brief. It confirmed the termination and Bennett's continuation as interim coach but did not explain the reason for the firing.

Key Details

• Coach: Kris McCullough
• School: Gardner-Webb University
• Position: Head football coach
• Dismissal date: September 2, 2026
• Gardner-Webb games coached: One
• Record at Gardner-Webb: 0-1
• Only game: 35-17 loss at No. 18 Austin Peay
• Investigation: Announced by Gardner-Webb on August 31
• Reason for investigation: Not publicly disclosed
• Interim coach: Pete Bennett
• Interim tenure: Remainder of the 2026 season

Background on Kris McCullough

McCullough arrived at Gardner-Webb after building a strong coaching record at the Division II level.

Gardner-Webb announced his hiring in December 2025. At the time, the university highlighted his success at the University of Texas Permian Basin, where he had served as head coach since 2022.

His three seasons at UTPB were particularly successful.

According to UTPB's official coaching records, McCullough went 28-10 overall and 21-5 in Lone Star Conference play during his tenure. His teams won the 2023 Lone Star Conference championship and reached the NCAA Division II playoffs in 2023 and 2025.

The 2025 season was the most successful in UTPB football history. The Falcons finished 11-3 and advanced to the NCAA Division II quarterfinals, setting a school record for wins in a season.

Before taking the Gardner-Webb job, McCullough also served as head coach at East Central University. Gardner-Webb said he had accumulated a decade of experience across different college coaching positions when he was hired.

That background made his extremely short tenure at Gardner-Webb particularly unexpected.

What Gardner-Webb Officials Said

Gardner-Webb has provided only limited public information about the situation.

On August 31, the university said McCullough had been suspended "pending the outcome of an ongoing investigation." It also announced that Bennett would serve as interim head coach.

On September 2, the university confirmed the next step, stating that McCullough's contract had been terminated effective immediately. It again declined to provide additional information.

Because the university has not disclosed the subject of the investigation, it would be inappropriate to characterize unverified allegations circulating elsewhere as established facts.

Several reports have referred to the matter as an investigation involving off-field issues, but the specific allegations and any findings have not been publicly detailed by Gardner-Webb.

Why This Matters

The timing creates significant uncertainty for Gardner-Webb's football program.

McCullough was hired to begin a new era after Cris Reisert left the program. Gardner-Webb entered 2026 after a 7-5 season and had planned a 12-game schedule under its new head coach.

Instead, the program has changed coaches immediately after its season opener.

The impact is not limited to the coaching position. A midseason leadership change can affect preparation, recruiting, player development and staff responsibilities. However, the precise consequences for Gardner-Webb's program cannot yet be measured.

The immediate priority is continuity.

Bennett already knows the program and had been on Gardner-Webb's coaching staff since 2024. His familiarity with the players and existing staff gives the university an established option while the situation develops.

Gardner-Webb is scheduled to play Wofford on September 5, meaning Bennett will quickly have to prepare the team for its second game of the season.

What Happens Next?

Pete Bennett will remain Gardner-Webb's interim head coach for the remainder of the 2026 season, according to the university's official announcement.

The bigger question is what happens with the investigation and whether Gardner-Webb eventually provides additional information.

As of September 3, 2026, the university has not publicly explained the nature of the investigation, released findings, or provided a detailed explanation for McCullough's termination.

The school will also eventually have to determine its long-term coaching plans. Whether Gardner-Webb conducts a coaching search immediately or waits until after the season has not been publicly announced.

For now, the confirmed facts are straightforward: McCullough was suspended on August 31, his contract was terminated on September 2, and Bennett will lead the team for the rest of the season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was Kris McCullough fired by Gardner-Webb?

Gardner-Webb has not publicly disclosed the specific reason. The university first suspended McCullough pending an ongoing investigation and then terminated his contract two days later. Reports have described the investigation as involving off-field issues, but details have not been released by the university.

How many games did Kris McCullough coach at Gardner-Webb?

McCullough coached only one game for Gardner-Webb. His team lost 35-17 to No. 18 Austin Peay on August 27, 2026.

When was Kris McCullough suspended?

Gardner-Webb announced McCullough's suspension on August 31, 2026, saying he was suspended pending the outcome of an ongoing investigation.

Who is Gardner-Webb's interim football coach?

Pete Bennett is serving as Gardner-Webb's interim head coach for the remainder of the 2026 season. Bennett had been the team's special teams coordinator and tight ends coach.

What was Kris McCullough's record before Gardner-Webb?

At UT Permian Basin, McCullough compiled a 28-10 record over three seasons, including a Lone Star Conference championship in 2023 and two NCAA Division II playoff appearances.

Did Gardner-Webb disclose what the investigation was about?

No. As of September 3, 2026, Gardner-Webb has not publicly disclosed the subject of the investigation or provided detailed findings explaining the termination.

What is Gardner-Webb's next game?

Gardner-Webb is scheduled to visit Wofford on September 5, 2026, with Bennett expected to lead the team as interim head coach.

Is Kris McCullough still Gardner-Webb's head coach?

No. Gardner-Webb terminated McCullough's contract effective immediately on September 2, 2026.

Sources / Content Source

This article was researched using primary and authoritative sources, including:

• Gardner-Webb University Athletics — official September 2 announcement terminating McCullough's contract.
• Gardner-Webb University Athletics — August 31 suspension announcement and appointment of Pete Bennett as interim coach.
• Gardner-Webb University Athletics — McCullough's December 2025 hiring announcement and coaching background.
• Gardner-Webb University Athletics — 2026 schedule and Austin Peay season-opening result.
• UT Permian Basin Athletics — McCullough's official coaching record and accomplishments.
• Associated Press reporting carried by the Washington Post — independent confirmation of the firing and investigation timeline.
• Reuters — independent confirmation of the dismissal and interim coaching change.