McKenzie, TN – January 20, 2025 – Bethel University is proud to announce the appointment of Chris Springer as the new Head Football Coach of the Wildcats. Springer, who has served as the interim head coach since the departure of Coach Mike Jasper. Springer brings a decade of coaching experience and an unwavering dedication to the program. His leadership and commitment to fostering excellence both on and off the field have earned him the trust and admiration of players, staff, and the Bethel community.
Interim Athletic Director, Dave McCulley expressed his confidence in Springer’s appointment, “Coach Springer has been an integral part of our program’s success over the years. His ability to inspire and motivate our players, along with his strategic expertise, makes him the perfect choice to lead the Wildcats into a bright future. We are excited to see what this program will accomplish under his guidance.”
President Dr Perry Moulds said, “We are confident that Coach Springer will not only build on our tradition of success but also elevate it to new heights.”
Springer has been a key figure in the Wildcats’ coaching staff for several years, contributing to multiple winning seasons and fostering a culture of accountability and achievement. His focus on student-athlete development, both on the field and in the classroom, has been a cornerstone of his coaching philosophy.
“I’m deeply honored to take on this role and continue serving the Bethel University community,” said Springer. “This program has a rich history, and I am committed to building on our successes while preparing our players to be leaders on and off the field. The future is bright for Bethel football, and I’m excited to get to work.”
As head coach, Springer plans to emphasize recruitment of top talent, development of a robust football culture, and maintaining the program’s strong academic standards.
Springer helped Bethel to an 11-0 regular season, Mid-South Conference championship and playoff appearance in 2022. The Wildcat defense finished the regular season ranked among the top 10 in the nation in multiple categories including scoring defense (12.3 points per game), pass defense (152.2 yards per game), defensive takeaways (25), interceptions (16) and third down defense while finishing in the top 25 in a number of other categories. The Wildcats held top 10 opponents on the road to an average of 12.6 points per game.
Springer played at Bethel University and Lindenwood University where he was a four-year letterman and served as captain as a defensive back. Springer graduated from Lindenwood in 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in physical education and earned a master’s degree in sports recreation and administration from Western Kentucky University in 2017. Springer is a native of Bartlett, Tenn., and resides in Lexington with his wife Megan and daughters Chandler and Sydney.