Evangel Football Coach Chuck Hepola Announces Retirement

The veteran head coach will step down following the conclusion of the current season to focus on his athletic director role.

Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Football

Evangel Football Coach Chuck Hepola Announces Retirement

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Evangel head football coach Chuck Hepola announced his retirement after eleven seasons at the helm of the program. He will continue to serve as the university athletic director in Springfield.

Why it matters

The transition allows Hepola to shift his focus toward leading the athletic department in a broader capacity after 35 years in the coaching profession. He will complete the final three games of the regular season before his departure.

Hepola leaves with a historical record of 75-39 at Evangel and 35 total years of coaching experience. The team currently holds a 5-3 record with three games remaining in the season.

The players

Chuck Hepola

He is the veteran head football coach at Evangel University who is retiring after eleven seasons.

Evangel University

This is a university based in Springfield that maintains an athletic program and football team.

Tabor College

This institution is the upcoming opponent for the Evangel football team.

The details

Hepola communicated his decision through an official press release, confirming that he remains committed to the program until the end of his final scheduled season. As the university athletic director since 2025, he plans to maintain his leadership role within the department after he steps off the sidelines.

Chuck Hepola began his tenure as head football coach at Evangel in 2015.
Hepola assumed the position of athletic director in 2025.
Hepola is scheduled to address the media regarding his retirement on October 27, 2026.
Evangel will host Tabor College for a game on October 31, 2026.

Season Trajectory

Hepola follows the well-documented precedent of coaches transitioning into full-time administrative roles within collegiate athletic departments. This move signals a permanent shift in his career trajectory as he moves from field leadership to departmental oversight.

The football team must now navigate the final three games of the season while the administration begins the process of searching for a new head coach. This change potentially impacts long-term team recruitment and the upcoming 2027 season preparations.

The takeaway

Hepola emphasizes that his shift toward administrative duties is designed to benefit the broader athletic department at the university. Fans and supporters can expect a focus on stability as the program concludes its current campaign under his leadership.