This year, the holidays saw limited coaching activity and news. However, the pause concluded when people across the industry landed in Charlotte for the American Football Coaches Association convention. Here’s the latest information on multiple searches across the Texas Non-FBS landscape.

Multiple Non-FBS coaches turn down FBS coordinator opportunity

Chris Hummer at 247Sports reported that UTEP head coach Scotty Walden will name TCU assistant quarterback coach Mark Cala offensive coordinator. According to multiple sources, the search took longer than expected. Those sources indicate that a Lone Star Conference coach, an assistant coach within the United Athletic Conference, and former McNeese head coach Gary Goff were considered top candidates. Sources indicate that one of the top candidates declined the position because Walden will continue to call plays for the Miners next season. 

Sul Ross State head coach search reaching finalist stage

The search for a new head coach at Sul Ross is potentially nearing a conclusion. Multiple sources have confirmed that finalists will visit the campus next week after eight initial interviews were conducted last week. Sources indicate one of the finalists is currently an assistant coach at Lamar.

The position has been open since Barry Derickson announced his resignation on Dec. 2, to pursue other opportunities. Despite the uncertainty during the month-and-a-half-long search, sources indicate many assistant coaches remain on staff. It’s unclear how much control the new head coach will have in selecting the initial coaching staff.

Interviews begin in search for the next Abilene Christian offensive coordinator

Sources have indicated that ACU head coach Keith Patterson has begun on-campus interviews for his fourth offensive coordinator since he was named head coach four years ago. Multiple sources have confirmed that former Colorado State-Pueblo offensive coordinator Brayle Brown visited Abilene for an interview this week.

The position became open when Rick Bowie departed to become the offensive coordinator at FBS Western Kentucky. All-Texas Non-FBS quarterback Maverick McIvor entered the transfer portal and will reunite with Bowie at WKU.

West Texas A&M hires new offensive coordinator

According to sources, WT head coach Josh Lynn will have two new coordinators in 2025. Chase Kyser accepted the offensive coordinator position at Adams State under the Buffs' former defensive coordinator Levi Gallas.

Lynn wasted no time replacing Kyser. Sources indicate that WT will soon name Justin Bane as offensive coordinator. Bane served as offensive coordinator, wide receivers coach, passing game coordinator, and player development coordinator for Central Missouri. The Mules experienced tremendous offensive success, with quarterback Zach Zebrowski winning the Harlon Hill Award, known as the Heisman of NCAA Division II football, the last two seasons.

WT officially announced the promotion of defensive backs coach Justin Richter to defensive coordinator on Wednesday. Dave Campbell’s Texas Football first reported that news on Jan. 2.

Scott Parr filling out Texas A&M-Kingsville coaching staff

The Javelinas' 2025 coaching staff is beginning to take shape, according to sources. Most of former head coach and current Director of Athletics Mike Salinas' staff will remain. However, there will be a few new faces. 

Former Howard Payne offensive coordinator Brad Wilson will serve as offensive coordinator after spending last season as an offensive analyst at Louisiana Tech. Sean Lagerstrom will become inside receivers coach after spending last season as offensive coordinator and tight ends coach, and running backs coach Jeric Smith will not return.

Defensively, Jamison Bisch will return as defensive coordinator and safeties coach, and Eddie Moten will remain as cornerbacks coach. In 2025, the Javelinas will have a new defensive line coach, linebackers coach, and special teams coordinator. Sources indicate Parr is searching for an experienced special teams coordinator to fill one of the positions.

East Texas Baptist will soon begin searching for an offensive coordinator

ETBU head coach Calvin Ruzicka will have his third offensive coordinator in his three seasons as head coach when the 2025 campaign begins. Dave Campbell’s Texas Football's Matt Stepp broke the news that Ryan Smith will soon be named head coach at Grapevine High School. The former Nelson, then SAGU, head coach sought to move closer to his family in DFW.

Howard Payne is searching for a defensive line coach

Multiple sources have confirmed that HPU head coach Kevin Bachtel is searching for a new defensive line coach after Cade Gray's departure for family reasons. Gray served as co-defensive coordinator and defensive line coach. Sources indicate Bachtel has promoted Nicholas Forde to defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach after he and Gray shared the defensive coordinator role last year.