
SPRINGFIELD, Missouri – Evangel University has named Chuck Hepola, head football coach, as its athletic director, effective immediately. Hepola will continue his role as head football coach.
“I am truly humbled and honored to be named the athletic director at Evangel University,” Hepola said. “I’m eager to take on this additional responsibility while partnering with a great group of coaches and student-athletes. I’m grateful to the president and the administration for their trust.”
Hepola has been with Evangel since 2015. Under his leadership, the football program has achieved significant success. In his first four seasons, Hepola and his staff led the team to a share of the Heart of America South Division title. In 2017 and 2018, the team was ranked in the top 20 nationally, and Hepola was named Heart South Division Coach of the Year in consecutive seasons.
The 2018 and 2019 seasons saw Evangel climb into the top 10 of national polls and secure victories over top 25 ranked teams.
In 2023, the team’s inaugural year in the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference, Evangel reached the postseason for the first time since 2005, finishing the regular season undefeated for the first time since 2001. In a notable cap, Hepola was again named Coach of the Year.
Evangel’s defense has consistently been one of the top units in the NAIA. Under Hepola’s tenure, the team has earned the league’s Defensive Player of the Year award six times and has produced 14 All-Americans since 2016.
Hepola holds a 61-33 overall record at Evangel, making him the second-winningest head football coach in program history.
In addition to his on-field accomplishments, Hepola has prioritized spiritual development within the team. In 2023, he organized an opportunity for players to be baptized on the field after a practice session. More than 40 athletes participated. This past fall, an additional 30 players were baptized, making it an annual tradition during the team’s bye week.
“Chuck embodies the perfect balance of excellence and competitive spirit,” said Evangel University President Dr. Mike Rakes. “His proven ability to lead with integrity while building a winning culture makes him the ideal choice for athletic director. We are excited to see him bring his passion for Evangel athletics and for excellence into every facet of our athletic program.”

Before joining Evangel, Hepola served as an assistant football coach at several universities, including Nicholls State, Louisiana-Monroe, the University of Tulsa, and East Central University. He also coached at local high schools, including Logan-Rogersville, Willard, and Hillcrest.
Hepola holds a master’s degree in education from Drury University and a bachelor’s degree in education from Evangel.
Hepola and his wife, Kirstin, have a daughter, Courtney, who played soccer at Evangel; a son, Chance, who played football at Evangel; and a daughter-in-law, Jordan (Poppen) Hepola, who was a member of the cheer team at Evangel.
Learn more about Evangel Athletics at evangelathletics.com.
###
Evangel University, with its embedded Assemblies of God Theological Seminary, is a comprehensive Spirit-led Christian university located in Springfield, Missouri. It is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. Under the leadership of Dr. Mike Rakes, EU is committed to excellence in educating and equipping students to serve the Church and society globally and becoming compassionate innovators in their chosen vocations. EU offers more than 70 degree programs, including cutting-edge majors, pre-professional programs, and affordable and flexible online degree options.
EU is highly regarded and has been ranked:
- #1 Best College in Springfield & #2 Best Christian College in Missouri by Niche
- US News & World Report Best Colleges Top Performer in Social Mobility
- Colleges of Distinction Best Christian University
- Top 10 Best Universities by AcademicInfluence.com
- Third Most Beautiful Campus in the Midwest by Christian Colleges & Universities
- Top 10 Best Colleges in Missouri by BestColleges.com
With additional accreditations in business, counseling, music, social work, and theology and certification as an Excellence in Giving university, EU is focused on providing students with hands-on experience and real-world training for today’s professional careers.