Another impressive accolade for UT Permian Basin's head football coach. Kris McCullough has been named the 2023 All-Texas Non-FBS Coach of the Year by Dave Campbell. This, after being named the Lone Star Conference (LSC) Coach of the Year last month.  

Even before the UTPB football team kicked off their season, McCullough was making headlines. He was named as the pre-season rising star coach. He was also named to several other "best of" coaches lists including 247 30-under-30, the AFCA's 35-under-35 and Dave Campbell's 40-under-40. That's a lot to live up to.  

McCullough, the second head coach in UTPB's history, was humbled by those accolades. But his ultimate goal was about far more than potential. He planned to back it up. Week in and week out McCullough talked about his goals of winning a LSC Championship and a National Championship for UTPB. 

He accomplished one of those goals this season as he ran through the LSC. The Falcons went on to defeat all DII Texas schools in the conference, a first for the football program, finishing with a perfect LSC record of 8-0.  

"Coach McCullough is an outstanding leader and this honor is beyond deserved. His leadership and commitment to his players, and this University, is inspiring. We are thrilled about this historic run that ended with a Lone Star Conference Championship – in his first year as a Falcon! Imagine what the future holds! He has built a winning atmosphere while still focusing on what's important: family, support, and success on the field and in the classroom," said UT Permian Basin President, Dr. Sandra Woodley. 

There were seven other non-FBS (Football Bowl Subdivision) head coaches in consideration and according to Cory Hogue, writer for Dave Campbell's Texas Football, the competition this year was at an all-time high. 

"This was the toughest season to select a Coach of the Year since I began working with Dave Campbell's Texas Football in 2018," said Hogue. "In a year filled with quality candidates, Kris set himself apart. His ability to keep the quality players already at UTPB, and add key pieces, led the Falcons' program to new heights. The future is very bright for the Falcons." 

The other candidates that were considered were: 

Jerheme Urban from Trinity – DIII (10-2 overall, 8-0 SAA); Braxton Harris from Houston Christian – FCS (6-5 overall, 4-3 SLC); Todd Whitten, Tarleton State – DII (8-3 overall, 4-2 UAC); Bubba McDowell, Prairie View A&M - FCS (6-6 overall, 6-2 SWAC); Peter Rossomando, Lamar – FCS (6-5 overall, 5-2 Southland); Jordan Neal, McMurry – DII (6-4 overall, 4-3 ASC); and Willie Gooden, Kilgore -NJCAA (9-2 overall, 7-1 SWJCFC. 

Congratulations coach McCullough, and your entire team and staff, for an outstanding year. You make us all VERY proud!