The Howard Payne University athletic department announced Tuesday the hiring of Coby Gipson as the Yellow Jackets’ new head football coach.
 
Gipson is no stranger to Howard Payne serving as the Yellow Jackets’ assistant head coach and offensive coordinator in 2017 and 2018.
 
“The Gipson family is excited to return to Brownwood and Howard Payne University!” said Gipson. “What started with attending HPU Homecoming as a kid has come full circle today in accepting the position as Head Football Coach.”
 
Gipson’s parents met at Howard Payne in 1971 and were married in the summer of 1972 after his father graduated from Howard Payne.
 
“I am thrilled to welcome Coach Gipson, Christy and their three children to the Howard Payne family,” said Dr. Cory Hines, HPU president. “We are excited to have a coach of his quality leading our Yellow Jacket football program from a Christ-centered foundation and a commitment to excellence on the field and in the classroom.”
 
Gipson spent the last five seasons as assistant head coach and recruiting coordinator at D-I Lamar University, initially working with running backs and then receivers in his final three seasons with the Cardinals.
 
“We are excited to have someone with Coach Gipson’s strong ability to grow leaders and coach football,” said Dr. Hunter Sims, director of athletics. “Coach Gipson has high expectations of competitive excellence, and is committed to grow our student-athletes spiritually that perfectly aligns with Howard Payne University’s core values.”
 
Coach Gipson has been a developer of winning football building Bishop Gorman High School (TX) and Lamar University into consistent winning programs.
 
He has coached and developed numerous All-Conference level players while encouraging excellence in the classroom.
 
“The vertical alignment necessary for campus-wide success is in place at HPU and I’m very excited to work with this administration and serve the Yellow Jacket Nation. The pillars of HPU football will mirror the mission of the University – we will run this race in such a way as to win the prize – on the field, in the classroom, and most importantly, providing an environment where spiritual growth is intentional inside the walls of the football facility,” said Gipson.
 
Coach Gipson has been selected as a featured speaker at the Texas High School Coaches Association (THSCA) Convention, and a recruiting panelist, offensive Chalk Talk coordinator, and Buzz Session speaker at the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) convention.
 
Coach Gipson is involved with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and was named the Northeast Texas Influence Award winner and the Southeast Texas FCA Coach of the Year in 2023. Coby and his wife, Christy have also taught in the youth ministry program at First Baptist Beaumont.
 
Before Lamar, Gipson spent one season at East Texas Baptist University as the Tigers’ defensive line and special teams coach.
 
Gipson came to Howard Payne in 2017 from the head coaching position at Bishop Gorman High School in Tyler, Texas, where he built that program over five seasons into a two-time Area Finalist and State Semi-Finalist.
 
He also has coaching experience at Grace Community High School in Tyler, Texas, as an offensive coordinator and at Pine Tree High School in Longview, Texas.
 
Gipson added, “We can’t wait for this journey to begin! I look forward to connecting with alumni, building relationships, and representing HPU with honor! Sting ‘Em.”
 
Gipson is a graduate of LeTourneau University and received his master’s degree from Concordia-Irvine. He and his wife Christy, a former ETBU All-American in softball, have one daughter, Camryn, and two sons, Connor and Casen.
 
A meet and greet will be held on Monday, Feb. 17, in the Mabee University Center for the community to connect with Coach Gipson. More details are to come.
 
What other coaches say about Coby Gipson
 
“Coby and I were on the staff together at ETBU. Coby did a tremendous job with his position group.  In addition to this, his daily example of Christian servant leadership impacted all he encountered. He is a perfect fit at HPU in my opinion.”
-Vance Gibson, Former HPU Head Coach
 
“Coby Gipson is one of the most well-respected coaches in the game. He’s a former Texas High School football coach, who has made his name as a relentless recruiter in the college game. Howard Payne Football got a great one!”
-Colby Carthel, Head Coach, Stephen F. Austin State University
 
“Coby has been an integral part of the resurgence of Lamar Football.  He is a top-notch recruiter, an excellent football coach, and a terrific Christian man.  Howard Payne got a great one.  We wish Coby and his family well.”
-Pete Rossomando, Head Coach, Lamar University
 
“Coby operates with the utmost character and integrity and truly cares about people. I believe his experience helping Lamar turn their program around will be invaluable as he leads HPU.”
-Josh McCown, QB Coach, Minnesota Vikings