Union Football Names Cunningham as Offensive Coordinator, McKibben as Defensive Coordinator
Barbourville, Ky. – The Union Commonwealth University football program has solidified its leadership on both sides of the ball, announcing David Cunningham as the Bulldogs' offensive coordinator and Jeremiah McKibben as defensive coordinator. These key hires follow the recent appointment of Boston Bryant as head football coach, after he led Union's defense as defensive coordinator during the 2023 and 2024 seasons.
Cunningham Brings National Championship Experience to Union's Offense
With over 35 years of collegiate coaching experience, Cunningham brings a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record of success to the Bulldogs. His background includes two tenures as a head coach, stints at the NCAA Division I level, and experience in the Arena Football League.
Most notably, his coaching experience includes national success as he advanced to the NAIA semifinals in 2023 with Georgetown, while making two appearances in the NCAA Division II National Championship Game with Minnesota State.
A former collegiate athlete himself, Cunningham played five seasons at Kentucky Wesleyan in the 1980s, during the height of the Union-KWC rivalry.
"I am very grateful for the opportunity to join the football program and campus community here at Union Commonwealth University. I have a lot of respect for Bulldog football. When I played at Kentucky Wesleyan, we had a great rivalry with Union, and those games were always physical and fiercely competitive. The chance to help continue the revival of this program excites me both personally and professionally. Additionally, the opportunity to work with Coach Bryant again is an added benefit. I sincerely appreciate his faith in me and look forward to working with the staff and players here."
Head coach Boston Bryant is eager to see the impact Cunningham will have on Union's offensive attack.
"I am thrilled that Coach Cunningham is a Union Bulldog," Bryant said. "His experience and winning pedigree stood out in the process, and will help lead and develop our offense."
McKibben Earns Promotion to Defensive Coordinator
While Union's offense will see new leadership, its defense will be led by a familiar face. Jeremiah McKibben, who has spent the past two seasons on Union's defensive staff under Bryant, will take over as defensive coordinator.
During McKibben's time on staff, Union's defense has consistently delivered strong performances, including:
- Four games where opponents were held to three points or less
- Three First-Team All-AAC selections
- Six Second-Team All-AAC selections
McKibben, a University of the Cumberlands alumnus, was named to the 2021 Kentucky Collegiate All-Commonwealth Team, an honor presented by the Kentucky Pro Football Hall of Fame and Community Trust Bank.
Prior to joining Union in 2023, he gained valuable coaching experience at his alma mater, serving one season as a graduate assistant and one season as a full-time assistant.
"I'd like to thank Coach Bryant for this incredible opportunity to be the defensive coordinator at Union," McKibben said. "I'm really excited to see what the future holds for this program."
Bryant commended McKibben's dedication and work ethic, emphasizing why he is the right choice to lead the Bulldogs' defense.
"I'm very proud of Coach McKibben and his commitment to our program. He has earned this promotion through his tireless work ethic and dedication to our student-athletes both on and off the field. I'm excited to watch his continued growth in his new role as he leads our defense."
For updates on the 2025 Union football spring scrimmage, the 2025 UCU football schedule, and all things Bulldog Athletics, visit www.gounionbulldogs.com.