Chris Springer Appointed as Head Football Coach at Bethel University

Bethel University proudly announces Chris Springer as the new Head Football Coach of the Wildcats. Springer, who has been serving as the interim head coach following the departure of Coach Mike Jasper, brings a wealth of experience and an unwavering commitment to the program. With over a decade of coaching under his belt, his leadership and dedication to excellence on and off the field have garnered widespread respect from players, staff, and the Bethel community.

Interim Athletic Director Dave McCulley expressed confidence in Springer’s appointment, stating, “Coach Springer has played a crucial role in our program’s success over the years. His ability to inspire and motivate our players, coupled with his strategic acumen, makes him the ideal choice to lead the Wildcats into a promising future. We are eager to see the heights this program will reach under his leadership.”

Bethel University President Perry Moulds, Ph.D., echoed this sentiment, adding, “We are confident that Coach Springer will not only uphold our tradition of success but also take it to new levels.”

Having been a key part of the Wildcats’ coaching staff for several years, Springer has contributed to numerous winning seasons and cultivated a culture of accountability and achievement. His commitment to student-athlete development—both academically and athletically—remains central to his coaching philosophy.

“I’m truly honored to step into this role and continue serving the Bethel University community,” said Springer. “This program has a storied history, and I am dedicated to building on our successes while preparing our players to excel as leaders on and off the field. The future of Bethel football is bright, and I’m excited to get started.”

As head coach, Springer aims to focus on recruiting top talent, enhancing the football culture, and upholding the program’s strong academic standards.

Springer played a pivotal role in guiding Bethel to an 11-0 regular season, a Mid-South Conference championship, and a playoff appearance in 2022. Under his leadership, the Wildcats’ defense ranked among the top 10 in the nation in several key 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. The team also ranked in the top 25 nationally across multiple other categories, holding top 10 opponents to an average of just 12.6 points per game on the road.

A former player himself, Springer competed at both Bethel University and Lindenwood University, earning four letters and serving as a team captain as a defensive back. He graduated from Lindenwood in 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in physical education and later earned a master’s degree in sports recreation and administration from Western Kentucky University in 2017.

A native of Bartlett, Tenn., Springer currently resides in Lexington with his wife Megan and daughters Chandler and Sydney.