AT HARDING
Eric Kelly returned to his alma mater in January 2026 to serve as the recruiting coordinator and slotbacks coach. A former standout playmaker for the Bisons, Kelly brings a wealth of offensive knowledge and a proven eye for talent to Roddy Mote’s inaugural staff.
BEFORE HARDING
Kelly joins the Bisons after establishing himself as one of the premier offensive minds at the NAIA level.
Friends University (2022-2025): Kelly served as the offensive coordinator and slot receivers coach at Friends University in Wichita, Kansas, working under head coach Terry Harrison. He helped orchestrate a potent flexbone attack that consistently ranked among the nation's best.
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National Coordinator of the Year: Following a historic 2025 campaign, Kelly was named the 2025 FootballScoop NAIA Coordinator of the Year. He was also recognized as the KCAC Assistant Coach of the Year.
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Highest-Scoring Offense in America: In his final season, Kelly's unit finished as the highest-scoring four-year college football team in the country, regardless of division. The Falcons racked up 704 points in 13 games (54.2 ppg) and scored 95 touchdowns.
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Historic Rushing Production: The Friends offense was nearly unstoppable on the ground, rushing for 5,979 yards and 79 touchdowns while averaging a stunning 8.4 yards per carry. The Falcons topped 400 rushing yards in nine of their 13 games.
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Player Development: Under Kelly's guidance, quarterback K'Vonte Baker was named the KCAC Offensive Player of the Year after rushing for 1,181 yards and 30 touchdowns. Offensive lineman Kyree Watkins earned KCAC Offensive Lineman of the Year and First Team AFCA All-America honors.
Bethel College (2018-2021): Prior to Friends, Kelly spent three seasons as the offensive coordinator and running backs coach at Bethel College, where he played a pivotal role in transforming a 1-9 program into an elite contender.
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Top-Ranked Offense: He oversaw an offense that led the NAIA in total rushing for two consecutive seasons.
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Coordinator of the Year Finalist: His record-breaking success led to him being named a 2020 FootballScoop Coordinator of the Year Finalist.
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Championships: Kelly helped guide the Threshers to two KCAC regular-season co-championships. The 2020 season featured the program's first playoff appearance in over a decade and a school-record 26 postseason All-KCAC awards, including the KCAC Player of the Year.
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Turnaround Specialist: Upon his arrival in 2018, the rushing offense jumped from 79th in the nation to 8th in just one season. By 2019, the team set a school record for total points (standing since 1984) and achieved its quickest path to 10 wins in program history.
PLAYING CAREER
Kelly was an explosive slotback for Harding from 2012-16, known for his big-play ability and efficiency in the run game.
Playing Highlights:
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Efficiency Record: Kelly holds one of the highest career rushing averages in program history. He averaged 8.39 yards per carry (105 carries for 881 yards) during his career, which ranks 9th all-time at Harding (minimum 100 attempts).
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2016 Season: He was a key contributor on the 2016 team that posted a 13-1 record, won the Great American Conference championship, and advanced to the NCAA Division II National Quarterfinals.
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Versatility: In addition to his rushing production, Kelly was a reliable perimeter blocker and receiving threat out of the backfield, embodying the selfless play required of the slotback position.
EDUCATION
Kelly earned his Bachelor of Science in Sport and Recreation Management from Harding University in 2016. He completed his Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Harding in 2017.
COACHING EXPERIENCE
2026-present: Harding, recruiting coordinator/slotbacks coach
2022-2025: Friends University, offensive coordinator/slot receivers
2018-2021: Bethel College, offensive coordinator/running backs
PLAYING EXPERIENCE
Harding, slotback (2012-16)
