AT HARDING
Will Francis joined the Harding coaching staff in 2025 as the quarterbacks and fullbacks coach. His impact was immediate, as he helped orchestrate the most prolific rushing attack in NCAA history during his debut season.
Coaching Highlights:
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Record-Breaking Offense: In his first season, Francis’ position groups were the engine of an offense that set NCAA all-division records for rushing yards (6,943) and rushing touchdowns (88) in a single season. The Bisons averaged 433.9 rushing yards per game and 43.5 points per game while reaching the NCAA Division II National Championship game.
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Player Development: Under Francis’ guidance, fullback Andrew Miller produced one of the greatest individual seasons in program history. Miller rushed for 2,048 yards and 28 touchdowns, winning the Darren McFadden Award as Arkansas’ top collegiate running back and finishing as a finalist for the Harlon Hill Trophy.
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Quarterback Efficiency: He also mentored quarterback Cole Keylon, who set new career efficiency standards for the program. Keylon earned All-America honors and directed the offense to a school-record tying 15 wins.
BEFORE HARDING
Francis served as the Offensive Coordinator at Harding Academy from 2018-2024. During his tenure, he led the Wildcats to an impressive 81-12 overall record, including a 38-2 conference mark and a 24-3 playoff record. He was instrumental in helping the team win five conference championships and four state championships.
As a coach, Francis was responsible for game planning, scouting reports, play calling, and offensive development. His teams were consistently among the top performers in the state, averaging 42.1 points per game and ranking in the top five in passing yards in Arkansas for five consecutive seasons. He coached 25 All-State players, and three of his quarterbacks were awarded state title game MVP honors.
PLAYING CAREER
Francis was a four-year starter for the Harding men's basketball team from 2013-17. He is Harding's career leader with 241 3-pointers made and led NCAA Division II in 2016-17 with a 50.0% 3-point percentage, connecting on 83 of 166 attempts.
As a high school quarterback at Harding Academy, Francis was a three-time All-State selection and led the team to the 2012 Arkansas Class 3A state championship, where he earned MVP honors. That same year, he was named the Farm Bureau Class 3A Offensive Player of the Year and the Little Rock Touchdown Club 3A Player of the Year. He also averaged 17.9 points and 6.6 rebounds per game during his high school basketball career and helped lead the Harding Academy baseball team to the Arkansas Class 3A state championship, hitting a home run in the title game.
EDUCATION
Francis is a Harding University alumnus, having earned his B.S. in Kinesiology in 2013 and his M.A. in Teaching in 2018.
FAMILY
Francis is married to the former Falan Miller, a member of the Harding women's basketball team from 2014-18. They have one son, Lane, and one daughter, Madyn.
COACHING EXPERIENCE
2025-present: Harding, quarterbacks and fullbacks coach
2018-2024: Harding Academy, offensive coordinator
