Gardner-Webb University terminated the contract of head football coach Kris McCullough effective immediately on Wednesday, September 2. The announcement came two days after the school suspended McCullough pending the outcome of an investigation into off-field allegations.

Pete Bennett, the team's special teams coordinator and tight ends coach, will continue serving as interim head coach for the remainder of the 2026 season. The university provided no further details or comments on the matter.

McCullough, 30, coached just one game for the Runnin' Bulldogs. Gardner-Webb lost its season opener 35-17 to No. 17-ranked Austin Peay on August 27. The team next plays at Wofford on Saturday.

The school hired McCullough in December 2025 after he spent three seasons as head coach at Division II University of Texas-Permian Basin. He compiled a 28-10 record there and led the program to two NCAA playoff appearances, including a run to the national quarterfinals in 2025. McCullough had previously served as head coach at East Central University.

Gardner-Webb announced the suspension on August 31. Reports indicated the investigation centered on off-field issues, though the university has not confirmed specifics. McCullough's brief tenure ends with a 0-1 record at the FCS program.

The move marks another leadership change for Gardner-Webb football, which has seen multiple head coaches in recent years.