College Golf Coaching Insights: 2025 Updates from the Coaching World

College Golf Coaching Changes and Updates for 2025

The college golf coaching landscape is evolving rapidly in 2025, with numerous hires, promotions, and retirements shaping the future of programs across the country. From new head coaches to assistant roles, these changes reflect a commitment to excellence, growth, and development within collegiate golf.

Sam Houston State: Hiring of Rosa Barnak

Sam Houston State has made a significant addition to its men’s and women’s golf programs with the hiring of Rosa Barnak as an assistant coach. Brandt Kieschnick, the head coach, expressed excitement about Barnak's experience as a collegiate player and her success at ULM. Barnak, who played at Florida Atlantic, brings a strong work ethic and passion to the Bearkats' program.

Arizona State: Ryan Heisey Named Associate Head Coach

Arizona State has appointed Ryan Heisey as the associate head coach for the Sun Devil Women's Golf program. Heisey comes from Florida State, where he served as an assistant coach for both men's and women's teams. His expertise and knowledge will be valuable assets to the program.

Duke: Daniel Bowden Joins as Assistant Coach

Duke has added Daniel Bowden as an assistant coach for the Blue Devils. Bowden, who previously led UNC Wilmington to multiple titles, brings extensive experience and a proven track record of success. His background in game-improvement technology and recruiting will benefit the program.

Xavier: Stephanie Young Hired as Women’s Golf Coach

Xavier has hired Stephanie Young as its new women’s golf coach. With over 20 years of experience, Young has a strong history of success, including leading Idaho to multiple tournament titles. Her dedication and competitive spirit align with Xavier's goals.

Austin Peay: Jack Lindgren Named Assistant Men’s Golf Coach

Austin Peay State University has named Jack Lindgren as the assistant men’s golf coach. Lindgren, a former collegiate golfer, brings valuable knowledge and personal experience to the program.

North Texas: Marcus Willey Named Assistant Coach

North Texas has hired Marcus Willey as an assistant coach for the Mean Green women’s golf team. Willey, a former player at Fort Hays State, has a strong background in coaching and a focus on developing calm, focused players.

Bemidji State/North Dakota State: Ekren Miller Resigns

Ekren Miller has resigned as the head coach of Bemidji State University Men’s Golf after 16 seasons. He has accepted the head coaching position at North Dakota State University, following the retirement of Steve Kennedy.

DePaul: Ryan Jamison Named Head Men’s Golf Coach

DePaul has announced the hiring of Ryan Jamison as its new head men’s golf coach. Jamison, a former PGA Tour caddie, returns to his alma mater with 15 years of coaching experience. His unique blend of elite experience and leadership will benefit the program.

Denver: Martha Richards Extends Contract

The University of Denver has finalized multi-year contract extensions for four of its head coaches, including women’s golf coach Martha Richards. Richards has guided the Pios to multiple Summit League championships and individual titles.

Illinois State: Ray Kralis Extends Contract

Illinois State head men’s golf coach Ray Kralis has signed a three-year contract extension. Kralis has led the program to multiple MVC Tournament crowns and has been recognized as one of the top coaches in the conference.

Texas: Mikayla Tatman Promoted

Texas women’s golf head coach Laura Ianello has promoted Mikayla Tatman to the role of Assistant Coach/Director of Operations. Tatman brings a wealth of experience and a championship pedigree to the program.

Charleston Southern: Loritz "Scooter" Clark Named Head Coach

Charleston Southern has named Loritz "Scooter" Clark as the head coach for men’s and women’s golf. Clark has extensive experience in collegiate golf and will begin his first season with the Buccaneers in the 2025-2026 season.

San Francisco: Beth Allen Joins Coaching Staff

The University of San Francisco has announced Beth Allen as part of its women’s golf coaching staff. Allen brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from both her playing and coaching careers, having competed on the LPGA and Ladies European Tour.

Campbell: John Crooks and Matt Moot Promoted

Campbell University has promoted John Crooks to Director of Golf/Head Women’s Coach and Matt Moot to Head Men’s Golf Coach. Crooks has a long history with the program and is one of the most respected figures in collegiate golf.

Auburn: David Johnson Joins Men’s Golf Staff

Auburn has added David Johnson as an assistant coach for the men’s golf program. Johnson replaces Buddy Alexander, who retired after the 2024-25 season.

Nebraska: Allyssa Ferrell Joins Women’s Golf Staff

Nebraska has hired Allyssa Ferrell as an assistant coach for the women’s golf program. Ferrell brings a strong background in both playing and coaching, with experience on the Epson, Symetra, and LPGA tours.

South Florida: Payne Denman Hired

South Florida has added Payne Denman as an assistant coach for the Bulls. Denman brings a strong track record of player development and recruiting to the program.

Middle Tennessee: Michael Barnard Named Assistant Coach

Middle Tennessee has named Michael Barnard as an assistant men’s golf coach. Barnard, a recent graduate, brings valuable experience and a deep understanding of the program.

Bridgewater College: Nick Schlickenrieder Hired

Bridgewater College has named Nick Schlickenrieder as the head men’s and women’s golf coach. Schlickenrieder brings experience as a graduate assistant and player, and is excited to build a strong program at Bridgewater.

Santa Clara: Jett Isoda Hired

Santa Clara has added Jett Isoda as an assistant women’s golf coach. Isoda brings energy, expertise, and a commitment to excellence to the program.

Chattanooga: Looking for Assistant Coach

Chattanooga is seeking an assistant coach for its men’s golf program. Sarah Busey, who has been with the program since 2022, is stepping away from college golf coaching.

Tennessee: Reece Britt Hired

Tennessee has hired Reece Britt as an assistant coach for the men’s golf program. Britt, a former player at Austin Peay, brings enthusiasm and passion to the program.

Western Michigan: Matt Zedrick Named Head Coach

Western Michigan has named Matt Zedrick as the new head coach of the Broncos’ women’s golf program. Zedrick brings over a decade of experience to the role.

UNC Asheville: Ross Cash Extends Contract

UNC Asheville has extended the contract of women’s golf head coach Ross Cash. Cash has led the Bulldogs to multiple postseason awards and is focused on building a winning program.

Tulsa: Brandon Wilkins Named Head Coach

Tulsa has named Brandon Wilkins as the head men’s golf coach. The program will restart competitive seasons in fall 2026.

Samford: Shane Warren Named Head Coach

Samford has hired Shane Warren as its head women’s golf coach. Warren brings experience and leadership to the program.

San Francisco: Sara Doell Extends Contract

Sara Doell, head coach at the University of San Francisco women’s golf team, has signed a three-year contract extension. Doell has led the team to multiple tournament wins and top finishes.

Duke: Bob Heintz Named Head Coach

Bob Heintz has been hired as the next Duke men’s golf head coach. He has a strong background in coaching and playing, and is excited to lead the program into the future.

Oregon State: Sulman Raza Hired

Oregon State has added Sulman Raza as an assistant coach for the men’s golf team. Raza brings a national championship background and a passion for helping players grow.

Missouri: Francesco Guarneri Hired

Missouri has hired Francesco Guarneri as an assistant coach for the women’s golf program. Guarneri brings international experience and a commitment to student-athlete development.

University of Texas Rio Grande Valley: Puthita Khuanrudee Hired

UTRGV has named Puthita Khuanrudee as associate head women’s golf coach. Khuanrudee brings a proven record of success and a championship culture to the program.

Loyola Chicago: Peter Pougnet Named Head Coach

Loyola Chicago has hired Peter Pougnet as the head men’s golf coach. Pougnet brings a competitive edge and experience to the program.

Fresno State: Mary Ritchie Named Head Coach

Fresno State has named Mary Ritchie as the head coach for both men’s and women’s programs. Ritchie has a strong track record of building championship-caliber teams.

Oral Roberts: Tim Braaten Promoted

Oral Roberts has promoted Tim Braaten to associate head coach of the golf program. Braaten has been a key contributor to the program's growth and success.

Houston: Cabe Waters Hired

Houston has added Cabe Waters as associate head coach for the women’s golf program. Waters brings experience and a championship culture to the program.

Tennessee: Diana Cantu Extends Contract

Tennessee has extended the contract of women’s golf coach Diana Cantu through the 2030 season. Cantu has led the Lady Vols to multiple top finishes and a return to the NCAA Championships.

Notre Dame: Breanna Jenco Named Head Coach

Notre Dame has named Breanna Jenco as the next head women’s golf coach. Jenco brings a strong background in coaching and a commitment to academic and athletic excellence.

Oklahoma State: Annie Young Returns

Oklahoma State has rehired Annie Young as head women’s golf coach. Young has a strong history of success and is excited to lead the program.

Grand Canyon: Chelsea Carroll Returns

Grand Canyon has brought back Chelsea Carroll as an assistant coach for the women’s golf program. Carroll has a strong background in coaching and a commitment to excellence.

Arizona State: Mikayla Tatman Leaves

Arizona State has announced that Mikayla Tatman will leave her position as assistant coach. The program is looking to replace her this summer.

Charlotte: C.C. McMahan Named Head Coach

Charlotte has named C.C. McMahan as the new women’s golf coach. McMahan has a strong background in coaching and is excited to lead the program.

Tennessee: Derek Ernst Joins Men’s Golf Staff

Tennessee has added Derek Ernst as associate head coach for the men’s golf program. Ernst brings experience from the PGA Tour and a passion for coaching.

Oakland University: Robert Pickett Named Head Coach

Oakland University has named Robert Pickett as the head coach of the men’s golf program. Pickett brings experience and a commitment to student-athlete development.

Duke: Jamie Green Steps Down

Jamie Green has stepped down as the head coach of the Duke men’s golf program. Green has led the program to multiple NCAA Regional appearances and is leaving to pursue other opportunities.

Drexel: Scott Yurgalevicz Named Head Coach

Drexel has named Scott Yurgalevicz as the head men’s golf coach. Yurgalevicz brings experience and a commitment to excellence to the program.

North Dakota State: Steve Kennedy Retires

North Dakota State men’s golf head coach Steve Kennedy has retired after 12 seasons. Kennedy has led the Bison to multiple championships and is leaving to pursue other opportunities.

Western Michigan: Kim Moore Not Retained

Western Michigan has decided not to retain Kim Moore as the head coach of the women’s golf program. A national search is underway for the next head coach.

Oklahoma State: Annie Young Returns

Oklahoma State has rehired Annie Young as head women’s golf coach. Young has a strong history of success and is excited to lead the program.

Barry University: Looking for New Head Coach

Barry University is looking for a new head coach after Mark LeRoux announced his resignation. LeRoux has a long career as a head coach at Missouri.

Central Arkansas: Josh Turnock Named Head Coach

Central Arkansas has named Josh Turnock as the head men’s golf coach. Turnock has a strong background in coaching and is excited to lead the program.

Michigan State: Leila Raines Returns

Michigan State has hired Leila Raines as an assistant coach. Raines brings a strong background in playing and coaching and is excited to return to her alma mater.

Rice: Looking for Assistant Coach

Rice is seeking an assistant coach for its men’s golf program. James Lee, who has been with the program since 2022, is resigning and moving on to a job outside of college golf.

Loyola University-Chicago: Erik Hoops Resigns

Erik Hoops has resigned as head coach at Loyola University-Chicago. Hoops has a strong background in coaching and is stepping away to focus on family.

Fresno State: Lisa Ferrero Resigns

Fresno State women’s golf coach Lisa Ferrero has announced she is exploring opportunities outside of the program. A national search is underway for the next head coach.

Toledo: Ali Green Hired

Toledo has hired Ali Green as the women’s golf coach. Green brings a strong background in coaching and a commitment to excellence.

Washington: Anna Temple Named Head Coach

Washington has named Anna Temple as the next head coach of the women’s golf program. Temple has a strong background in coaching and is excited to lead the program.

Oklahoma State: Greg Robertson Not Returning

Oklahoma State athletic director Chad Weiberg announced that coach Greg Robertson would not return next season. Annie Young will serve as interim head coach.

Charlotte: Ryan Ashburn Steps Down

Charlotte women’s golf head coach Ryan Ashburn has announced she is stepping down after four years leading the program. A national search is underway for her replacement.

Notre Dame: Caroline Powers Ellis Resigns

Notre Dame women’s golf head coach Caroline Powers Ellis has resigned. Powers Ellis has a strong background in coaching and is stepping away to focus on family.

Nebraska: Breanne Hall Named Head Coach

Nebraska has named Breanne Hall as the next head coach of the women’s golf program. Hall has a strong background in coaching and is excited to lead the program.

N.C. State: Bo Andrews Named Head Coach

N.C. State has named Bo Andrews as the head men’s golf coach. Andrews has a strong background in coaching and is excited to lead the program.

Arkansas State: Mike Hagen Extends Contract

Arkansas State has extended the contract of head men’s golf coach Mike Hagen through 2030. Hagen has led the program to multiple championships and is committed to continued success.

Northern Illinois: Andrew Frame Resigns

Northern Illinois has announced that Andrew Frame is resigning his position as associate head coach for the men’s and women’s teams. Frame has a strong background in coaching and is stepping away to pursue other opportunities.

Drexel: Ben Feld Retires

Drexel has announced that head coach Ben Feld will step away from collegiate coaching after leading the Dragons for the last nine seasons. Feld has led the program to multiple successes and is stepping away to focus on family.

North Carolina State: Press McPhaul Retires

North Carolina State has announced that Press McPhaul will retire from college coaching at the conclusion of the season. McPhaul has led the program to multiple successes and is stepping away to focus on personal interests.

Austin Peay: Looking for Assistant Coach

Austin Peay State University is looking for an assistant coach for their men’s golf program. Current assistant coach Landon Cottrell is resigning to pursue a professional golf career.

Drexel: Ben Feld Retires

Drexel has announced that head coach Ben Feld will step away from collegiate coaching after leading the Dragons for the last nine seasons. Feld has led the program to multiple successes and is stepping away to focus on family.

East Tennessee State: Looking for Assistant Coach

East Tennessee State is looking for an assistant coach to serve the men’s and women’s golf teams. Current assistant coach Blake Watson is resigning and taking a job outside of golf.

Knox College: Looking for Head Men’s Golf Coach

Knox College is looking for a head men’s golf coach. Brady Kreiter, who said he will finish the season with the team, has decided to step away to pursue a different career.

Nebraska: Jeanne Sutherland Retires

Nebraska women’s golf coach Jeanne Sutherland has announced her retirement, effective at the end of the 2024-25 season. Sutherland has had a successful career and is stepping away to focus on personal interests.

Long Beach State: Looking for Assistant Coach

Long Beach State is looking for an assistant coach for the men’s golf program. Marc Gerst is leaving the program to return to golf course management business.

Eastern Kentucky: Pat Stephens Named Head Coach

Eastern Kentucky has named Pat Stephens as the new head coach of the Colonels' men’s golf program. Stephens has a strong background in coaching and is excited to lead the program.

San Jose State: Looking for Associate Head Coach

San Jose State is looking for an associate head coach. Kortnie Barrett has been in the position for 4 years and plans to remain on staff until this position is filled.

Emory: Sarah Butler Hired

Emory has named Sarah Butler as an assistant coach for the men’s golf program. Butler brings experience from the LPGA Tour and a commitment to excellence.

Baylor: Ryan Murphy Hired

Baylor has added Ryan Murphy to its coaching staff. Murphy brings experience and expertise to the program.