Since the end of the 2021 season, an average of nine teams have made head coaching changes in the Texas Non-FBS ranks. Given the number of moves over the last few years, the 2025 coaching cycle was expected to have fewer moves. Still, five Texas Non-FBS teams have made leadership changes thus far. However, it’s notable that only one change was a coach not having their contract renewed. 

The following grades are based on multiple factors, including analyzing the hiring process, the new coach’s ability to improve the program, and the facility situation at each institution. 

Coby Gipson, Howard Payne: A+

This grade is not based on the idea that Howard Payne will win the American Southwest Conference in 2025 or even 2026. However, Gipson is the perfect coach to guide this program to the next level, where it can compete against the top teams in the ASC. Braxton Harris began returning the Yellow Jackets to respectability in 2017, and Gipson was a member of that staff. He has spent the last two years alongside Peter Rossomando at Lamar, who has an innate ability to mentor and develop coaches.

As for alignment, the university president and athletic director have overseen many improvements across campus and the athletic department. Dr. Hunter Sims has a knack for finding guys who understand how to build a winning program, as evidenced by the number of coaches he’s hired who now work at the NCAA Division I level. It will take time, and HPU may never overtake the top two schools in the ASC. But they will close the gap significantly, and that’s an incredible amount of progress for this program.

Tremaine Jackson, Prairie View A&M: A

The Prairie View A&M faithful believe they should be among the top teams in the SWAC every season. After all, they have some of the best facilities in FCS. However, a lack of finances has prohibited the Panthers from reaching those lofty heights, which was only exacerbated when players became eligible to receive NIL. College football success largely depends on raising money.

Tremaine Jackson understands the need to increase funding and has held multiple fundraisers since being named head coach in December. The commitment that PVAMU’s president and athletic director expressed to be successful in football and Jackson’s ‘DOG’ mentality could propel the Panthers program to the top of the FCS ranks. That is exactly where Jackson believes this program will be soon.

Scott Parr, Texas A&M-Kingsville: B+

Not much is known about the other candidates considered in the process except for defensive coordinator Jamison Bisch, who served as interim head coach during the search. Not being named head coach was undoubtedly difficult for Bisch. However, everyone around the program complimented Bisch for his professionalism during and after the process, and Parr's keeping him as defensive coordinator was an excellent choice.

Parr is known for leading offenses that produce many points, which is precisely what Texas A&M-Kingsville was missing during Michael Salinas' tenure. Combining the offensive prowess of Parr and offensive coordinator Brad Wilson with the defensive mind of Bisch could propel the Javelinas to the top of the Lone Star Conference in 2025. The only thing keeping this hire from receiving an A is that the Javelinas' facilities remain behind those of other Lone Star Conference schools.

Keith Allen, Schreiner: B

This hire is difficult to grade. Although no one expected the job to open, unfortunate circumstances forced Schreiner to hire a new head coach. Athletic Director Bill Raleigh made another terrific hire to continue the process of starting a football program.

Allen understands the task the Mountaineers will face over the next few years, and it will be significantly more challenging when Schreiner rejoins the American Southwest Conference in 2026. However, I’m convinced Allen is the right choice for this job, which is why this addition is graded above average despite the program's facility challenges.

Lee Hays, Sul Ross State: D-

This grade has very little to do with Lee Hays. In fact, my belief that he might work miracles at Sul Ross State kept it from an F. Despite multiple attempts, I have been unable to connect with Hays to schedule an interview, which also factors into the grade. Speaking to the media isn’t necessary for coaches in Alpine or the Non-FBS ranks. However, many coaches value the opportunity to spread positive news about their program, which many believe is valuable to their recruiting efforts.

From the outside, the administration appears out of sync. The search was messy, and one candidate turned down the job and recommended another candidate as the right choice to lead the Lobos. Still, none of that rests on Hays, who has experience in NCAA Division II and significantly impacted Lubbock Cooper’s program as an offensive line coach. Barry Derickson worked miracles by winning two games against LSC foes last year. Hopefully, Hays can continue to turn water into wine for the Lobos.