Gardner-Webb (FCS - NC) conducted a national search for their next head coach following the departure of Tre Lamb to become the new head coach at East Tennessee State (FCS).
That search led them to one of the most successful coaches from the Division II ranks in Cris Reisert.
Reisert, who was a 35 Under 35 selection by the AFCA in 2021, has spent the past five seasons leading the Tiffin (D-II - OH) program.
During that time leading the Dragons, Reisert is an impressive 40-11, with a record of 32-4 in Great Midwest Conference play. He led the program to their first playoff berths in school history in 2019, and followed that up with another appearance this past season.
That run includes three conference championships and an undefeated regular season that led to a bye in the first round of the playoffs. Reisert and Tiffin would go on to lose in the second round.
Last season, Reisert led an offense that ranked among the top ten nationally in scoring offense and total offense, as well as top 25 defenses in scoring defense and total defense.
Not only did Reisert also lead the program to their first win over rival Findlay in over two decades, but he led them to wins in three of their five meetings.
He has prior coaching stops at Elon (FCS - NC), Ball State, and Ohio Dominican (D-III) in various capacities.
The hire reflects a recent trend among FCS programs nabbing the top Division II coaches this off season, as Brian Wright was hired away from Pitt State (D-II - KS) recently as well.
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