McKenzie, Tenn. -Bethel University Director of Athletics Glenn Hayes announced Monday the University has chosen Chris Elliott as the new Head Coach of the Wildcat Football program. Elliott takes over for Coach Dino Kaklis who recently resigned. Elliott is the tenth coach in the history of the program.

Coach Elliott just completed his eighth season with the Bethel Wildcat Football program. He served as the Assistant Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator this past year.

Prior to 2011, Coach Elliott served as Outside Linebackers Coach (2010), Defensive Coordinator (2007-2009), and Defensive Line Coach (2004-2007). He has coached three All-Conference Defensive Lineman. Coach Elliott was an Assistant Coach in the Victory Sports Network Senior All-Star Classic in 2007. He was also on the staff when Bethel played in the Polk County Classic in 2004.

Before joining the Wildcat coaching staff, Coach Elliott was a three-year student assistant (1994-1996) and a Graduate Assistant (2000) at St. Francis University in Pennsylvania (NCAA FCS). After his 1997 graduation from St. Francis University, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting, Coach Elliott served as Assistant Coach and Offensive Coordinator for Bishop Guilfoyle High School in Altoona, Pennsylvania. Coach Elliott served under his former Coach and Mentor Tom Irwin, who is a Pennsylvania Scholastic Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame Member, Blair County Sports Hall of Fame Member, and Bishop Guilfoyle Ring of Honor Member.

Coach Elliott received his Masters of Arts in Education degree from Bethel University in 2005. He is married to Lindsay Hailey Elliott, a 2002 (B.S.) graduate of Belmont University and 2006 (M.A.) graduate of Tennessee Technological University. Lindsay is an Assistant Professor of Health and Physical Education in Bethel University's College of Liberal Arts. Chris and Lindsay make their home in McKenzie. 

Coach Elliott commented, "It truly is an honor to be chosen to lead our football program. It is a responsibility that I accept and take very serious. My wife, Lindsay and I are excited for the opportunity to remain in McKenzie and continue our careers at Bethel. Bethel is a special place with so many special people and we are thankful to be a part of that. I would like to thank Dr. Prosser, the search committee, our players, coaches and the entire Bethel Family for believing in me and giving me this opportunity."

Director of Athletics Hayes commented, "We are very excited Coach Elliott is willing to accept this challenge of being our head coach. It is a huge job and we are confident he has the ability to move our program forward."