BROWNWOOD, Texas – Howard Payne University Football has announced its coaching staff for the 2026 season, featuring several promotions, expanded roles and the addition of six former Yellow Jacket student-athletes as the program prepares for the upcoming season.
The 2026 staff reflects Howard Payne's commitment to developing coaches from within while welcoming former players back to Brownwood to mentor the next generation of Yellow Jackets.
Among the most notable changes is the promotion of John Eastman to Associate Head Coach while he continues to lead the offensive line. Jimmy Douglas adds the title of Head FUTURES Coach for the Monday night developmental team to his responsibilities as Offensive Coordinator.
On the defensive side, Reed Collins has been promoted to Special Teams Coordinator while continuing his responsibilities as linebackers coach and recruiting coordinator. Collins will also serve as Defensive Coordinator for the FUTURES developmental program.
"I am extremely excited about our staff headed into the 2026 football season," said Head Coach Coby Gipson. "Coach Collins has been promoted to Special Teams Coordinator and will do a great job in this role. His attention to detail and the energy he brings to the team will give us a chance to create game-changing plays on special teams."
Howard Payne also promoted Hunter Knapczyk from Graduate Assistant to a full-time role as Running Backs Coach and Director of Football Operations. In addition to coaching the running backs, Knapczyk will serve as Assistant Recruiting Coordinator and FUTURES Special Teams Coordinator.
"We are also very excited to promote Coach Knapczyk from Graduate Assistant to a full-time coach," Gipson said. "This is a philosophy of program building at Howard Payne to promote from within when the opportunity presents itself. Coach Knapczyk plays a vital role behind the scenes with his ability to wear multiple hats and do different jobs at a high standard."
The offensive staff also welcomes Justin Tesno back to the offensive side of the ball. Tesno will coach the tight ends and tackles while serving as Run Game Coordinator.
"Very excited to have Coach Tesno return to the offensive side of the ball as the Tight Ends Coach and Run Game Coordinator," Coach Gipson said. "His passion for Howard Payne Football and his knowledge of blocking schemes will be a great value to us this season."
One of the highlights of the 2026 coaching staff is the return of six former Howard Payne student-athletes. Former Yellow Jacket standouts Justin Kay joins the staff as Safeties Coach, while KD Carr returns as Corners Coach following successful playing careers in Brownwood. Dominik Reed returns to coach the interior offensive line, while Kahliq Paulette has been named Assistant Quarterbacks Coach, KD Bookman joins as Assistant Wide Receivers Coach, and Adan Aleman returns as Assistant Football Strength and Conditioning Coach.
"The part of the staff transition I am most excited about is welcoming six former players onto the staff," says Gipson. "Coach Carr and Coach Kay were standouts on the field and have done a great job this spring leading the position groups they gave so much to during their time as players."
"Dominik Reed's four years of outstanding play will transition well into the coaching profession," Coach Gipson notes. "Howard Payne Football will have a new starting center for the first time since 2021, and Coach Reed started 40 consecutive games during his career."
Additional changes to the coaching staff include Daryl Hawkins, who transitions from Assistant Linebackers Coach to Defensive Ends Coach, while Karman Turner enters his second season on staff as Defensive Tackles Coach after moving to the defensive side of the ball.
The Yellow Jackets also welcome Brinson Martin as the program's first-ever Director of Player Personnel, while he also assists with the linebackers. Billy Cash will serve as Team Chaplain and Coordinator of Spiritual Development.
Returning for the 2026 season are Brad Bowden, who remains the program's Senior Analyst, and Donnie Barganski, who continues in his role as Director of Football Media.
"Donnie Barganski also returns to the staff as Director of Football Media," says Coach Gipson. "This position has increased significantly in value over the last decade in college football, and we are fortunate to have one of the best in the business here in Brownwood."
The 2026 Howard Payne coaching staff enters the season with an impressive collection of experience both on and off the field. Combined, the staff features 35 seasons of collegiate playing experience, 13 All-Conference selections and 10 college degrees, with multiple coaches currently pursuing bachelor's and master's degrees during the 2026-27 academic year.
As the Yellow Jackets prepare for the 2026 season, the blend of experienced veteran coaches, internal promotions and former players provides a foundation built on continuity, leadership and a deep understanding of Howard Payne Football.
